A DALE youngster’s fight against a rare muscle wasting disease has inspired a charity fashion show to support efforts to find a cure.
Gainford’s Ryan Chidzey has Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) – a rare and limiting muscle wasting disease. The brave four-year-old’s battle triggered M&Co, in Barnard Castle, and the Teesdale and District Lions to team up to organise a fashion show on Monday, March 19 at 6.30pm.
Teesdale Lions has earmarked DMD as their main charity cause this year after hearing of Ryan’s fight against the disease.
Group president Graham Walker said: “We wanted to support something which is a local cause. I know Ryan’s grandad, Bert Chidzey, and I know DMD is the worst form of muscular dystrophy you can get.
“So we just thought we could put money towards research and give the cause some support.”
The evening is open to all and will begin with volunteer models showing off clothes before a more humorous swim-wear section as the night wears on.
Organiser Kirsty Guy, from M&Co, had read about Ryan's plight and was happy to help when the Lions asked.
She said: “We were really excited when asked and thought it was a really good idea.
“It’s easy to put on and raise money and we want to raise as much awareness about the illness as we can.”
About 2,500 young men and boys people have DMD in the UK.
The illness has no known cure and often leaves those who have it in wheelchairs by their teenage years with a limited life expectancy.
Since Ryan’s diagnosis, his family have vowed to try to help find a cure in his lifetime by setting a fundraising target of £50,000.
Our Fight For Ryan has raised more than £30,000 so far to help research into the illness.
The family of the Gainford Primary School pupil have been offered a glimmer of hope in the shape of a new medical trial due to start in the next couple of years.
Meanwhile, dale folk, family and friends continue to organise events and fundraisers to boost the research cause.
Ryan’s uncle, Dave Clay, will be taking to the air with family friends Colleen Tray and Jill Tolley for a sponsored skydive on Saturday, March 25.
The skydive is a Muscular Dystrophy UK Make Today Count (MDUK) event and it’s hoped those taking part will have each funded nine hours of research by the time they land.
Tickets to the charity fashion show are available from A Cut Above, in Market Place, and M&Co, in Barnard Castle.
The cost is £4.50 and refreshments are included.
A raffle and tombola will also be held on the night to boost the coffers even further.
To support Our Fight For Ryan, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/muscular-dystrophy/ourfightforryan
