‘Making my dream a reality’: Londoner to take part in TCS London Marathon thanks to specialist wheelchair

A Londoner who lives with a rare muscle wasting condition is fulfilling a lifelong dream by taking part in this year’s TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April, thanks to a specialist running wheelchair. The team, ‘Kiera and her Chauffeurs’ are supporting Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions, and hope to raise £10,000.

Kiera Santry, 30, from Camden, was diagnosed with a rare form of limb girdle muscular dystrophy, aged nine and became a wheelchair user at 18. She never dreamt it was possible to take part in the London Marathon but thanks to the charity her dream has become a reality.

Kiera and her support team consisting of husband, Andrew Norman, 34, Dad, Robert Santry, 47, younger sister Georgia Santry 27, and Georgia’s partner David Burke, 26, will join more than 50,000 runners to complete the marathon.

Kiera said: “My condition is so rare they’ve not been able to fully diagnose my type yet. It’s a condition that affects every aspect of my life. Before my diagnosis, I was that child who never sat still and always had far too much energy. Obsessed with gymnastics and any sport that involved a ball but blissfully unaware of what my future would hold.

“For years after my diagnosis I resented my condition and went through some incredibly dark times as I tried to navigate my new life. I’m now proud to say I’ve reached a point where I’ve finally accepted my situation and embrace life. I try to make the most of every moment and opportunity that comes my way. Taking part in this year’s TCS London Marathon is me doing exactly that… and I can’t wait!

“Living with a life-limiting condition I never thought this day would come – it’s beyond my wildest dreams. After years of working within fundraising at Muscular Dystrophy UK, including on incredible events like the London Marathon. I’m finally getting the chance to experience this iconic day from the other side, as a participant!

“Muscular Dystrophy UK funds groundbreaking research into conditions, like limb girdle muscular dystrophy and provides life changing support for people living with muscle wasting conditions. They’ve been there every step of the way for me and my family, from my diagnosis right up until now. I couldn’t think of a more worthwhile charity to raise money for.”

Support Kiera and her team by donating through the family’s JustGiving page justgiving.com/page/kiera-and-her-chauffeurs-lm26

For more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm).

Check out the Muscular Dystrophy UK RIA Member profile here  .