Edition 8 of the 'You are Strong' Newsletter from Harrison's Fund

Today, on World Mental Health Day 2025, we turn our focus to a community whose emotional and psychological needs are often overlooked: children living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and their families. While advancements in medical care have improved physical outcomes, the mental health impact of Duchenne is profound and frequently invisible.

Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy brings emotional as well as physical challenges. This blog explores practical mental health strategies for patients and families, from professional therapy and support groups to mindfulness, routines, and creative outlets. Discover how small, consistent steps can build resilience, reduce isolation, and nurture well-being. With the right tools and community support, families can foster hope and strength together.

Edition 7 of the 'You are Strong' Newsletter from Harrison's Fund

Thanks to your pledges, we’ve unlocked matched funding in the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Between 3–10 December, every donation will be doubled, helping us reach £12,000 to fund expert clinical psychology for Duchenne families.

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.

Edition 6 of the 'You are Strong' Newsletter from Harrison's Fund

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.

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.

Edition 5 of the 'You are Strong' Newsletter from Harrison's Fund

We’re proud to be taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge again, with a goal of raising £12,000 to support our Chrysalis Grant Programme. To get started, we need pledgers to commit to the first £3,000 by 28th August. These early pledges unlock matched funding during the campaign week. Every pound raised will go twice as far in supporting the mental health of families living with Duchenne. Be part of something big—because families need more than hope. They need help.

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.

Edition 4 of the 'You are Strong' Newsletter from Harrison's Fund

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.

4 Mental Health Tips from Dr. Kirsty Gregory Supporting Duchenne families this Mental Health Awareness Week. At Harrison’s Fund, we know that living with Duchenne affects far more than just the body—it impacts the heart and mind too. That’s why mental health is a core part of the support we offer, through initiatives like our Chrysalis Grants and expert guidance from Clinical Psychologist Dr. Kirsty Gregory.

With community at the heart of Mental Health Awareness Week, Michael McGrath MBE highlights the urgent need to support young people—especially those living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In this blog, he explores the rising mental health challenges and shines a spotlight on Harrison’s Fund’s Project Chrysalis, a vital initiative offering funded access to expert psychological support for families affected by DMD.

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!)

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).