Final fundraiser of the year to help find cure for rare disease

THE stage is set for a Gainford family’s final fundraiser of the year after already raising more than £27,000 to help find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

INSPIRED CAMPAIGN: Ryan Chidzey (picture by Alexandra photography)

Barnard Castle Band will perform in concert at Gainford Village Hall on Sunday, December 3.

All money raised on the afternoon will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Ryan Chidzey, 4, who lives in the village, was diagnosed with the a fatal muscle-wasting disease in January.

His parents, Cieran and Claire, who are also mum and dad to Harry and Abigail, were left devastated by the news but have since vowed to raise vital funds needed to help find a cure for the rare genetic condition.

Ryan’s grandfather, Bert Chidzey, is the percussionist in the band which will begin their performance at 3pm.

Ryan’s grandmother, Rosalyn, said: “The final fundraising event this year will be a concert by Barnard Castle Brass Band. We are hoping for a good turnout to sign off the year.”

The concert is one of a series of events which have taken place since the family received the diagnosis. Having set up an online fundraising campaign, Our Fight For Ryan, the family has now raised £27,746 of their £50,000 target. A sponsored skydive is planned for March to help give the funds a further boost.

Mrs Chidzey said: “As the year draws to a close the family would like to thank all those warm-hearted people of Teesdale, Darlington, Shildon, Heighington and further afield who have so generously donated to Our Fight for Ryan.

“It’s a staggering amount which will all go to research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. There is no prospect of a cure as yet but methods of helping those with the condition are being developed all the time and we live in

hope that a breakthrough will come.”

Tickets cost £3.50 and £1 or under 16s. They are available to buy from A Cut Above hairdressers, in Barnard Castle, Carol Richards, in Staindrop, on 01833 660404 or Rosalyn Chidzey on 01325 730571.

People can also pay on the door. Tea and biscuits will be served in the interval and raffle tickets will be sold.

To donate to Our Fight For Ryan visit https://www.just

giving.com/campaigns/char

ity/muscular-dystrophy/our

fightforryan.