Daughter laces up for the London Marathon in memory of her mum

Becky Bovey, 34, from Paignton, is preparing to take on the London Marathon in memory of her mother and uncle, both of whom died after living with a rare genetic condition.

Becky will join more than 50,000 runners on Sunday 26 April to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity supporting more than 110,000 people living with muscle-wasting conditions.

Becky is running in memory of her mum, Beverley Newnham, who died last year, and her uncle, Grahame Young, who passed away three years ago. Both had myotonic dystrophy, a condition that affects the muscles and can severely impact mobility and independence.

She said: “My mum was diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy 26 years ago and following this, my two uncles were also diagnosed with the same condition. It robbed my mum’s quality of life and stopped her from doing what she loved.

“She used to play hockey and netball for our county and was really active. However, it left her unable to walk or live an independent lifestyle and she had to rely on carers to help her with the simple things towards the end.

“We sadly lost my mum unexpectedly at the beginning of May last year. She passed away due to complications from myotonic dystrophy. We also lost my uncle, Grahame, three years ago who also had the same condition, and my other uncle now has very reduced mobility.”

Taking on her first ever marathon, Becky hopes to complete the 26.2-mile challenge in under five hours.

She added: “Running the London Marathon itself means so much, not only did I grow up watching it every year with my mum – pointing out the best fancy dress – but it's something I never thought I’d ever be able to complete. I was never a sporty kid and did everything I could to get out of sports at school.

“After watching my mum and my uncle Grahame's health deteriorate over the years, I knew it was something I could do. I want to raise money to help other people who live with a muscle-wasting condition – ensuring they get the support they need to live their lives to the full.”

Becky said she had planned to share the news of her marathon place with her mum, but tragedy struck just days before she found out she had secured a place.

“I was excited to tell my mum I had applied for the London Marathon so she could keep an eye out for me on TV. Unfortunately, she died five days before I found out that I got a place in the marathon to run for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

“It has given me even more drive and motivation now to raise as much money as possible. The running has kept me focused through what has been a very difficult time.”

Becky has been training in recent months, even travelling from Devon to London to meet other charity runners and complete a half marathon as part of her preparation.

“I can’t wait for the big day,” she said.

Money raised will go towards funding research, support services and campaigning work to improve the lives of people living with muscle-wasting conditions.

To support Becky’s fundraising in memory of her mum, visit JustGiving.com/page/becky-bovey-1