IFightForJames Joshua & Myles - accessibility FUND

When our first son James was born, we all believed him to be a happy healthy little baby. He grew into a cheeky little chap, lover of Lego, cars and football and full of character. After growing concerns over his development and lack of physical strength, James was referred for blood tests. Then 23/12/2013 at aged 7, he was diagnosed with the severe progressive muscle wasting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a life limiting condition and is currently incurable. It affects mainly boys at about 1 in every 3,500 and girls at around 1 in 50 million.

Just a just a few days after James's diagnosis, and still in shock our beautiful twin boys Joshua and Myles were born. We later learned that they sadly also have the same devastating condition.

During the last few years, we have dedicated our spare time to fundraising for research into a cure for all those affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. With the help and support of our family and friends, we have raised over £100,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK, under our family fund name I Fight For James. In 2018 Gabby Logan awarded I Fight For James the President’s award for Fundraiser of the Year. Just last month (March 2025) Liz received another award from Gabby for MDUKs Community Achievement, which is another wonderful recognition of our hard work.

However, as the boys’ condition started to deteriorate, and James in particular became less mobile and more dependent on a wheelchair, we turned our attention to their needs and future requirements. We are therefore raising funds for them, to help give a better quality of life.

We are truly grateful for the support we have had so far, as we raised funds towards a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) which has been invaluable in order that we can continue to enjoy holidays and outings as a family, being able to transport a bulky electric wheelchair. 

We were also able to buy a folding powered wheelchair, which we could transport more easily on much needed breaks away, and where space was more limited.

We also found the need for a rise and recline sofa, which has been a game changer for James, as he can no longer get himself up and down from a normal sofa.

As the twins mobility declines, we are turning our attention towards funding power assisted wheelchairs for them next!

None of these things are cheap and we couldn't fund them alone.

We will do anything we can to help the boys enjoy the things we often take for granted and keep them socially active in the community out and about with family and friends.

We are truly blessed to have the support of friends, family, colleagues and the wider community in our fundraising efforts. Though we will continue to raise funds and awareness to support MDUK, we are grateful for this opportunity to raise funds towards our personal cause.

We thank you for any donations you are able to make, no matter how big or small.

Sean & Liz Keenan