KEEN walkers are being invited to hike across the Malvern Hills to raise funds to help find a cure for a severely disabling muscle disease.

The Malvern Walk, organised by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, takes place on Sunday, July 10 and the 7.5 mile route covers almost the entire length of the Hills.

For those who feel 7.5 miles is too much of a challenge, the walk has been specially designed for people to join at a choice of two other points along the route.

Among the walkers will be Jane Field, an osteopath from Kepax Gardens, Barbourne, whose seven-year-old son Murray was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy only 10 weeks ago.

Duchenne is a genetic condition, which only affects boys, and limits life expectancy to early adulthood. The condition is progressive with symptoms first appearing between the ages of three and five but by the age of 12 boys affected become full time wheelchair users.

Jane said: "When faced with such a devastating illness you would do anything to help find a cure.

"You can feel so helpless so doing something positive to raise money is at least a step in the right direction."

For information about The Malvern Walk ring 01432 360373 or email pennyw@ muscular-dystrophy.org