Devon man’s ultramarathon for dad living with muscular dystrophy

At 4.30am on Saturday 6 September, Matt Kemp, 45, from Tavistock was eating breakfast, getting ready to start the Dartmoor in a Day 50km Ultra shortly after sunrise. Matt took on the off-road challenge in aid of Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions. Inspired by his dad Paul, 70, who lives withFacioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), Matt raised £405 for the charity.

Explaining his motivation for taking on the challenge, Matt Kemp said: “I wanted to do this for a very special person, my dad, who suffers with muscular dystrophy every single day. He never complains, or even talks much about his condition, but I see how he struggles to keep doing the things he wants to do. He is so determined and that inspires me.”

The Dartmoor in a Day 50km Ultra starts at Okehampton, just 15 miles from Matt’s home, and finishes in Ivybridge. Highlights of the off-road route include Bellever Tor, West Dart stepping stones, Dartmoor Volcano and views along the Erme valley.

“The views were amazing, and the event was extremely well organised,” said Matt. “I’ve taken part in the Eden Project Half Marathon and Plymouth Half Marathon before and had set my sights on a full marathon for Muscular Dystrophy UK. But then I saw this challenge across Dartmoor and decided to push myself one step further! By fundraising for the charity, I’m helping to fund world-class research into effective treatments, and life-changing support for people living with a muscle wasting condition. People like my dad.”

Matt’s dad Paul was diagnosed withFacioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) about 15 years ago, when he was in a mid-50s. The rare genetic condition causes muscles to weaken over time and primarily affects the face, shoulders, and upper arms.

“The symptoms started very slowly at first but then it got to the stage where he could not even lift his arm to comb his hair,” said Matt.“After an eight-hour operation at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in London, where he had his shoulder blade grafted to his spine, he regained some movement, but like everything there is a limit to what he can do.

“My dad is stoic, determined and a real inspiration to me. He loves cars, trucks and motorcycles, and can make or fix just about anything. When I told him that I was doing this ultramarathon to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK, he thought I was mad and was worried about the distance and my lack of training. I pulled my back a couple of months ago and could not run without pain, but luckily a few trips to the physio got me back on track. Dad doesn’t quit and neither will I.

“Of course, my sister Emma and I worry about the future and how his FSHD will progress, and we’re aware of the genetic side of things which could impact us and our children. But we focus on what we can do now. It means so much to us seeing people donate to this great cause and helping to raise awareness. There are medical advances all the time so with the enough time and money, the possibilities are endless. By doing this in support of my dad, I feel I have helped a small bit.”

Support Matt’s fundraising at https://www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-kemp-1

For more information about fundraising your way for Muscular Dystrophy UK, visit https://musculardystrophyuk.org/fundraise-your-way

Find out more about Muscular Dystrophy UK at https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org