In 2006, Julian and Sharyn Thompson found out that their son James has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Duchenne). Duchenne is an insidious gender-linked (in 99% of cases) muscle-wasting disease that leaves little boys (and in some cases, girls) unable to walk before they make their teenage years. As there is no cure, Duchenne results in premature death by late teens/early adulthood in 100% of cases. Even though it is a genetic disease, in up to 40% of cases there is no family history and the disease arises by way of a spontaneous mutation at conception. This means ALL CHILDREN conceived are at risk of being born with Duchenne.

When Duchenne chose the Thompsons, it chose poorly. You see, the Thompsons will stop at nothing to find a cure for Duchenne and, in the process, save their son's life. In 2007, Julian cycled across Cambodia with a group of cyclists and raised $200,000 himself through donations from friends and family.

It was whilst training for this challenge that he came up with the idea for The Tour Duchenne.  So in March 2009, twenty-five incredible people cycled from Sydney to Melbourne and in the process raised just under $800,000 to go towards Duchenne research.  As well as raising such an amazing amount of money, they also increased the awareness nationally of the fight to find a cure for this horrific disease.

Sure, there were times when the riders were in pain and struggled to get to the end of each day's ride, but that's nothing compared to the pain, anguish and struggles that these children and their families deal with every single day of their lives.

With the success of The Tour Duchenne 2009, planning for The Tour Duchenne 2010 is well under way. The Tour Duchenne 2010 will be bigger than ever with a ride from Brisbane culminating in a finish at the Sydney Opera House on September 19^th. We may have fallen just short on our Million Dollar Target in 2009, but you can bet your life we will get there in 2010 with your help. So many young lives depend on it...

The Tour Duchenne has a simple mission. To find a cure for Duchenne through raising maximum funds and awareness nationally.

About Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Australia 

The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Australia (MDF Australia) exists to raise awareness and funds in Australia and increase the level of collaboration between the state Muscular Dystrophy associations. This collaboration and communication is already contributing to improved client well-being and an increased understanding of neuromuscular conditions.

MDF is focused on enhancing quality of life for the 20,000 Australians who live with a neuromuscular disorder, including duchenne muscular dystrophy. It achieves this with its focus on raising awareness and education, increasing vital services and supporting research. For further information see www.supportMD.org.au

About DUCHENNE

It has been estimated that one person in every 3,000 has a serious disabling inherited neuromuscular disorder. Most neuromuscular diseases are incurable. For many it is a devastating disease that results in muscle wasting, loss of mobility, breathing difficulties and early death. For many parents a diagnosis is like a death sentence.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disorder affecting approximately 1 in 3,500 live male births causing death in the late teens or early twenties. It is a genetic disease resulting from a mutation in a gene on the X-chromosome known as the dystrophin gene. The dystrophin gene is the largest gene in the human body which means that it has a high rate of spontaneous mutations. Consequently, one in three cases of DMD result from novel mutations without any previous family history.

For further information see www.mdaustralia.org.au/about-md/fact-sheets/ and select the Fact Sheet on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy  

Where does the money we raise go?

Your generous donation will support important research and vital services to children and their families throughout Australia. With 70% of funds raised supporting significant research, hope for children with duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families will be kept alive. In the meantime, 25% will enable the provision of essential services including respite, equipment, information and seminars and camps for children and young people to be increased. The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Australia will utilize the remaining 5% to increase awareness and community education within our Australian community.