Fundraiser Stories

Paul has been running for Harrison’s Fund for seven years. This October, he’s taking on the Royal Parks Half with his son Leighton, who will be completing his very first half marathon. Inspired by their friends Maxine and Austin, who live with Duchenne, they’re running not just for the challenge but to raise funds for Harrison’s Fund’s Chrysalis Grants, which provide expert clinical psychology support to families facing this devastating diagnosis.

Giro d'Willtalia - Seven years. Three countries. Over 13,000 kilometres. Nearly 100,000 metres of climbing. One team of friends with an extraordinary goal. They completed the third and final part of their epic cycling journey: recreating all three of cycling’s legendary 1968 Grand Tours, ridden in full, in the same number of days as the original races.

Lisa and Jamie are turning the Royal Parks Half Marathon into a mission to support families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Every mile they run raises funds for Harrison’s Fund, helping deliver Project Chrysalis, which provides therapy, coaching, and emotional support to children, parents, siblings, and carers navigating life with Duchenne.

Eleven days into Giro d’Willtalia, Will Jackson-Moore and his team have battled storms, heatwaves, and relentless climbs across Italy. Riding for Harrison’s Fund, Cancer Research UK, and Herts Young Homeless, they’re pushing through every brutal kilometre to raise funds and hope. From the Italian lakes to the Adriatic, their journey blends grit, history, and purpose — and the hardest days are still ahead.

This December marks 10 years of support from Tenors Unlimited, who return to St Martin’s Church on Dec 12 for a magical Christmas concert in aid of Harrison’s Fund. Don’t miss their powerful performance of Carry You—a song inspired by founder Alex Smith’s Ironman challenge with his son Harrison. Download the track, join us on the night, and help us make a difference for families facing Duchenne.

Claire Hendrick is running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in support of her friend Maxine and Maxine’s son Austin, who lives with Duchenne. Claire’s been inspired by their strength, courage, and positivity, and is fundraising for Harrison’s Fund to support families just like theirs. With every mile, Claire is raising awareness of a condition few people know—but many are bravely living with every day. Read her moving story of friendship, motherhood, and motivation.

Five friends. One final Grand Tour. The Giro d’Willtalia will see Will Jackson-Moore and his teammates cycle over 4,000km in 22 days, climbing 48,000m to raise £20,000 for three vital causes—Cancer Research UK, Herts Young Homeless, and Harrison’s Fund. It’s the third chapter in a challenge that began in 2018, honouring the 1968 Grand Tours and driven by a deep commitment to help families living with Duchenne and other life-altering conditions.

Cobham Ladies Choir and the Surrey Rainbow Choir filled St Paul’s Church with music and meaning, raising vital funds for our Chrysalis mental health programme. It was an evening of harmony, hope, and heartfelt generosity—where every note helped support families facing Duchenne. With powerful performances and moving speeches, the night reminded us how community and compassion can create real change.

Cobham Ladies Choir, fondly known as “The Choir with a Heart,” is once again raising their voices for Harrison’s Fund. Their upcoming charity concert, Summer Notes, features uplifting music, special guests, and heartfelt performances—all in support of families living with Duchenne. With a long history of supporting our work, their energy and compassion continue to inspire. Don’t miss this celebration of community, music, and impact.

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the wonderful Carole Ann, founder of Truly Carole Ann, to the Harrison’s Fund family! Carole Ann is bringing style, heart, and community together with a Charity Fashion Show & Garden Party — and trust us, you won’t want to miss it. In Aid of Harrison’s Fund on Friday 25th April, 10am – 2pm at the Truly Carole Ann Studio, Maplehurst, Ashtead, Surrey. Cost £5 (pre-purchase only and includes a raffle ticket!)

We’re thrilled to share an exciting update in our Fundraiser Stories series — Dan Nathan, who is running three marathons in 2025 in support of Harrison’s Fund, has officially completed his first major milestone: the Paris Marathon, which took place on Sunday, 13th April.

Dan is running three marathons (in Paris, Stockholm, and Cannes), along with several half-marathons and 10k events, to raise awareness and funds for Harrison’s Fund, the UK’s first charity specifically focused on the mental health needs of families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).