Brett Dunster is determined to raise £1,000 through a sponsored walk for Muscular Dystrophy UK - despite himself having the devastating muscle-wasting condition.

Mr Dunster is to take part in the Move a Mile for Muscles event in Maidstone’s Mote Park.

Mr Dunster, 41, has a rare form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a life-limiting condition which causes muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasing and severe disability.

But on Saturday, August 20, he is hoping to walk a mile around the park to help raise vital funds, and awareness of the condition.

He expects to be joined by around 50 friends and family to cheer him on - and take part themselves.

Anyone is welcome to join in, with a choice from either a three-mile run or a mile accessible walk, starting at 10am.

Around 1,400 people in the UK suffer from limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. The genetically inherited condition causes muscles, particularly of the shoulders, hips and thighs, to weaken and waste over time leading to increasing disability.

It can be diagnosed at any age and varies widely between individuals – even within the same family. In some cases the muscles of the heart and breathing muscles are affected, leading to life-threatening complications.

Mr Dunster, a former Oldborough Manor pupil, first became aware something was wrong about 10 years ago, when he began walking with a limp. For the last three years he has been an out-patient at Kings College Hospital in London.

He said: “At the moment I can still get around walking stick, but going up stairs is particularly difficult. Sometimes I have to crawl up like a baby.”

He expects his condition to get worse, and is currently having his home in Staffa Road, Loose, adapted so that he can live totally on the ground floor.

Mr Dunster said: “Living with a life-limiting muscle condition has its ups and downs to say the least, but I’m determined to show others that they can succeed beyond their own expectations.

“I want to encourage even more people to get involved in Move a Mile for Muscles and join me on the day - the more people that take part in the campaign, the quicker we can beat muscle-wasting conditions.”

Mr Dunster is planning to make it a real family day out, with banners, balloons, a tombola and games that people can get involved with.

He said:” It’s a day not to be missed!”

Muscular Dystrophy UK’s regional development manager for the South East, Anneka Liefting said: “We have no doubt Brett will make Muscular Dystrophy UK proud.

“Every step he makes in his fundraising efforts brings us a step closer in our fight against limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.”

The charity is inviting people to organise their own Move a Mile for Muscles event. Mrs Liefting said: “You can travel the distance however you choose,

whether it’s running, swimming, walking or covering a mile in your powered wheelchair!”

For information on Mr Dunster’s event, visit www.musculardystrophyuk.org/motepark

To sponsor him, visit his Justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brett-dunster1