Charities' research 'is bringing hope to families like ours'

DIGBY, 9, GIVEN HOPE OVER STUDIES INTO DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

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NINE-YEAR-OLD Digby Donnelly from Deal is a bright and joyful boy whose life has been shaped by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) a rare, life-limiting condition that causes progressive muscle weakness.

Diagnosed at just two years old, Digby's condition means everyday tasks are difficult, and his future is uncertain. But now, new research offers a glimmer of hope for Digby and other children like him.

"When Digby was two, I noticed he wasn't meeting his milestones," says his mum, Lisa.

"He waddled when he walked, couldn't lift his neck properly and had to roll onto his tummy to sit up. One of my daughters, Matisse, was also experiencing muscle pain, so she had tests and was diagnosed as having the Duchenne gene. All the family then had genetic testing, and Digby was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

"Digby is nine now, but his level of understanding, behaviour and knowledge is like a four-year-old. The condition has had a big impact on all our lives. I had to give up work, and we have had to renovate our house to accommodate his wheelchair and other equipment."