Prudhoe toddler Alby Morris determined to overcome muscular dystrophy

Nov 12 2009 by Joanne Butcher, The Journal

Medics told Amy and Keith, a 35-year-old PE teacher, that their son might never be able to walk.

They also warned that he could need a pacemaker by his 30s, and might end up severely disabled.

Devastated, the couple prepared themselves for the worst. But little Alby was determined to prove everyone wrong.

The happy little boy, who is always full of smiles and laughter, has recently started walking.

His development is now only slightly behind a typical toddler - and doctors hope this means he will suffer from a very mild version of the degenerative condition.

“My mum bursts into tears every time she sees Alby walk,” said Amy. “It was such a big step for him. At first, when you hear the news, you think you will never get over it. We thought Alby would never be happy because of the disease.

“But Alby is wonderful. He is always laughing, which makes it hard to be upset, because you start laughing too. He’s an absolute joy. We keep our fingers crossed for the future.”

Fortunately, baby Ava, who was born eight weeks ago, does not suffer from MD. The disease only arose in her older brother because of a mutation in his genes, and was not passed on from his parents. Now, the family are committed to raising cash for research into muscle disease.

They are holding a black tie dinner dance at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle tomorrow to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Over 200 guests will attend for a meal, auction, raffle and disco which Amy hopes will raise hundreds of pounds for research. And they hope to set up a 5k fun run next year.

“We started raising money because it’s really the only thing we can do,” explained Amy. “As a parent you want to make it better. But with something like MD there is no cure, and that is the hardest thing to hear.

“We are meant to be able to help our children and make them better and it is heart breaking to know that there is nothing we can do. All we can do for Alby is hope that scientists find something as he grows up.”

:: For more information, or to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, visit www.muscular-dystrophy.org