A woman has shared how she was diagnosed with a life-changing condition after finding PE lessons difficult as a child. Millie Bampton, from Tamworth , was just seven years old when she was told she had limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). Now aged 25, Millie is planning to walk 150 miles throughout July for Muscular Dystrophy UK. READ MORE: Police investigating shop thefts release CCTV images and say ‘can you help?’ The cause is extra close to her heart as her sister, Lola, also suffers
with the same condition. The 13-year-old has never been able to walk as a result of the disease. Before receiving her diagnosis, Millie recalls: “At school I often found PE lessons difficult, especially activities involving running, jumping and just generally keeping up with my classmates. “At the time, I didn’t understand why these things were harder for me, until I was diagnosed with LGMD. “When my sister, Lola, was born, she was tested and diagnosed almost straight away. Unlike me, Lola has never been able
to walk. “Having each other has been a huge source of strength for us. As sisters, we understand what it’s like to live with LGMD in a way that very few people can, and we support each other through the good and bad days. “Things that many people take for granted, such as walking long distances, climbing stairs, standing for long periods, balance, strength and mobility, can become physically exhausting and increasingly difficult. “As the condition is degenerative, the future can feel uncertain. I try
not to let it stop me from doing the things I enjoy or achieving my goals.” During the month of July, Millie will walk five miles every day, covering a variety of local routes and countryside trails. She said: “Walking 150 miles in a month would be hard for most – but it’ll be 10 times harder for me. For many people, going for a walk is something they don’t think twice about. For me, every mile requires extra effort. “The best way to describe
it, is like walking with heavy weights attached to your legs while your muscles gradually become more fatigued with every step. Some days will be more challenging than others. “There are days when living with LGMD is incredibly frustrating, especially knowing there’s currently no cure. However, it’s made me resilient and determined. “I don’t take things for granted and appreciate what my body can do, rather than focusing solely on its limitations. I wanted to do something positive to raise awareness of the condition and
shine a light on the realities of living with it. “There’s still so much that people don’t know about this condition. More funding is desperately needed to help improve treatments, support individuals and their families, and fund vital research towards better outcomes for the future. “That’s why I’m fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK. “This challenge won’t be easy, but neither is living with a condition that progressively takes strength and mobility away. While LGMD is part of my life, it doesn’t define who I am,
and I’m going to prove that in July.” Click here to view Millie’s fundraising page.
Millie Bampton, Lola Bampton, Tamworth, limb girdle muscular dystrophy, LGMD, Muscular Dystrophy UK, fundraising, 150 miles, July challenge
Wow 150 miles?? that’s insane respect.
I didn’t even know muscular dystrophy UK did stuff like this. My cousin had “something” muscular but they called it something else so I got confused. Either way I’m glad they’re raising money.
So she was diagnosed at 7 because PE was hard… like could it be from not stretching or like bad shoes? Not saying that in a mean way, I just don’t get how they figured it out that young.
This made me tear up. The part about her sister Lola not being able to walk makes it hit different. Degenerative conditions are scary, but at least she’s still doing the walk every day?? I hope people actually donate and not just share the post and forget about it.