Well-wishers of Gainford family swell fund to find cure for rare condition

A FAMILY who started a campaign to find a cure for a rare disease have already helped fund more than 160 days of research with one event still to go this year.

The most recent fundraiser – a black tie event at The George Hotel in Piercebridge on September 30 – was organised by Gainford residents Victoria and Michael Vayro, along with friends Kathryn and James Logan. About 160 guests attended and £5,000 was raised towards a campaign to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The campaign was started by the Chidzey family after they discovered their little boy, Ryan, was suffering from a muscle-wasting condition.

Stuart Murray, regional development manager for Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We are so grateful to Vickie and the team for organising what was a wonderful charity ball. The amount raised on the evening was astonishing and it was clear all those that attended enjoyed a special evening.”

Ms Vayro said: “We would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone that came along to the event.

“The amount raised is phenomenal and we couldn’t have done it without all those that came and gave generously.

“We hope it will make a huge difference to our little Ryan and other boys living with this cruel condition.”

Duchenne muscular dystrophy causes muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasing disability and in many cases, significantly shortening life-expectancy.

There are about 2,500 boys known to be living with the condition in the UK. There is currently no cure.

Muscular Dystrophy UK funds groundbreaking research into treatments for the condition and supports the 70,000 families in the UK who are affected by them.

The funds raised will be added to Our Fight for Ryan’s Family Fund total, which has now contributed £27,291 towards Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Duchenne Research Breakthrough Fund in less than nine months.

Mr Murray added: “We are humbled by the generosity of everyone connected to Our Fight for Ryan, especially the communities in Gainford and Darlington who have worked tirelessly throughout 2017 with exciting events and impressive challenges.

“The amount raised this year help us fund more than 160 days of research into finding a treatment for boys living with Duchenne.”

Ryan’s mum, Claire Chidzey, said: “We never thought that, after nine months, we would be over half way to our initial target of £50,000.

“We have been blown away by the support and at times overwhelmed. There’s still one event left this year and then we are looking forward to making memories with Ryan over the winter as a family.”

At the charity ball the challenge was also set for guests to join Ryan’s dad and uncle as they get ready to jump 10,000ft with a tandem skydive in March 2018.

The family are hopeful that willing daredevils will sign up to Muscular Dystrophy

UK’s Make Today Count Sky Dive event as part of #TeamRyan.

The early-bird registration fee is £29 and all participants are encouraged to help fund nine hours of research by raising £399 in sponsorships.

To join Our Fight for Ryan’s Sky Dive team visit their Facebook event at www.fb.me/ourfightforryan