Two sisters have raised thousands of pounds for a muscular dystrophy charity after their younger brother was diagnosed with a terminal form of the illness.

Emma Gardiner and Natalie Demian first started fund-raising when, in 2011, Leon Gardiner, was found to be suffering from Duchenne, a rare form of the muscle-wasting disease affecting approximately one in 3,500 boys.

In the last four years, the pair have run a marathon, taken part in a sky dive and held other charity days in aid of both Action Duchenne and Leon’s Chance.

Family-run fund, Leon’s Chance, will help pay for life-saving equipment for the 10-year-old, such as a cough assist machine.

Last Sunday, dozens of people attended a special baby and children’s market they held at the Swallows Leisure Centre. More than £600 was collected in donations and stall sales.

Emma, 25, said of the day: “We had Paul Brown come down from Action Duchenne and it was good to educate people about Duchenne, as lots of people haven’t heard of it. It’s the biggest genetic killer in boys.

“It took my mum and dad a long time to accept it and learn to deal with it when Leon was diagnosed. We know that there won’t be a cure in his lifetime, but if we can make a difference to other’s lives, then we’ll do it.”

In September, the sisters plan to host Leon’s Peter Pan Midnight Walk, which they hope will be an annual fundraiser for families with children suffering from Duchenne.