4:10am Friday 19th March 2010
By Daniel Fawbert Mills
A GRANDFATHER has pledged to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign after his grandson was diagnosed with the disease last year.
Ron Amphlett, aged 51, from Hurst Road, Pershore, said it was “like a death sentence” for him when he found out about three-year-old Harvey Collins’ condition.
The family have rallied round Harvey and his parents Wayne and Kerry Collins of Furlong Road since the news that he had contracted the incurable and debilitating muscle wasting disease.
They have vowed to do all they can to help his cause.
Ron, a parts manager at Bomford Turner, based in Salford Priors near Evesham, said: “His parents ran the half-marathon at Silverstone on Sunday and I wanted to raise funds too.
“I was devastated when I found out he had muscular dystrophy, it was like a death sentence.
“It was the first time I’d cried in 30 years and we are all trying to do everything we can for him.”
An auction and disco event has now been arranged in the Pitchview Suite at Worcester Rugby Club’s Sixways Stadium on Friday, June 4, from 7pm.
Admission will be £2 to include a raffle ticket, for which there are already some fabulous prizes.
All funds raised will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, which provides free care and support for babies, children and adults affected by muscle disease, and funds research into treatments and possible cures. More than 70,000 children and adults in the UK have a type of muscle disease or related condition supported by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. The severity of the conditions varies enormously – for the most severe disorders children can die at birth or in their first year of life while the mildest forms only slightly affect elderly people. Ron said: “I would like any local businesses that might be interested in donating something for the raffle to contact me.
“I have already received several excellent pledges but I’m looking for as much support as I can get to make the event as successful as possible.”
To help out or for more information, call Mr Amphlett on 01386 553215 or e-mail rocketron123@yahoo.com.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/trade_directory/