making muscle wasting history

The Severn Bridge Walk
Two countries walking for one cause – to beat Duchenne muscular dystrophy

History
The first Severn Bridge walk for Action Duchenne took place in July 2007. On that occasion we were joined by Matthew’s teacher and her son, the drummer from the Glambusters (Cozy Towel) and two MPs whom we had met at that year’s lobby day – Jessica Morden who represents Newport East where Matthew lives with his mum, and Stephen Williams, MP for Bristol North West.

We didn’t walk in 2008, but thought it would be a great way to start 2009, so we organised a walk for New Year’s Day 2009. We couldn’t persuade any celebrities to join us, and sadly most of the people who had promised to walk, including Matthew who was planning to lead the walk, were stricken by colds and flu. Undaunted, Jannette completed the walk on her own, and managed to broadcast on Radio Bristol as she went.

We decided to do the walk again in 2009, on the Saturday before Father’s Day. This time we were joined by Professor Steve Wilton, one of the leading researchers in the fight for a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, from the University of Western Australia. Steve’s visit to the UK was unexpectedly prolonged when he broke his leg while attempting a sky-dive for Action Duchenne – thankfully he is now fully recovered and carrying on with his research.


Please join us - it is great fun and not too arduous!

So we are now planning our fourth walk, and are looking forward to a great day. You get some wonderful views as you cross first the Severn and then the River Wye. Most of the walk takes place in England - the border being in the middle of the River. Arrival at the Chepstow end is a bit of an anticlimax – a short walk further takes you to Homebase where there is a loo, or you can just turn round and go back to England.