Fundraising with Beautiful Blue for Harrison's Fund

Supporting charity is something that is very close to my heart. Before Joseph was born I always felt charity was a nice thing to do. Charities, in my opinion then, did work to help enrich communities and provide additional services to people. Since having Joseph my whole view on charity has changed. I know now there are things that would not happen without charities. Specialist support services, research into medical conditions, practical help for families, protection of the environment and a myriad of other things would not happen without the passion and drive of people who establish and work within charities.

I was invited by Beautiful Blue  to look at their new t-shirts which are being sold to help Harrison's Fund . £5 from each shirt sold will go to the fund.

Charities often start from the heart. Families see a need and go for it, putting their hearts and souls into a vision to make things better. Harrison was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in January 2011. Harrison's parents established the fund, because what Harrison really needs is a cure, as do all people diagnosed with this condition, and their families and friends. Readers of this blog will know that my best friend Daniel has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The facts about Duchenne are this. That boys (and there are some girls too) start out healthy and as they grow the dystrophin in their muscles, the protein that makes mucles work begins to deplete. The use of a wheelchair becomes necessary, every muscle is affected including the diaphragm so people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy will need assistance with their breathing.

I don't dwell on this, but the simple fact is that Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy takes the lives of these boys, life expectancy is increasing but only because of advances like ventilation. The condition hasn't changed, and I am sure that Daniel would agree, the life with advanced Duchenne, although can be enriching and wonderful, isn't an easy one.

The only treatment available at present are steroids which can help buy some time in terms of walking, but that is the only treatment available. Harrison's Fund exists to raise money for research, because what we need is a cure, or at the very least viable treatments other than just steroids. There is hope and we know more about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy than ever before, we need more research, more money to ensure that this can happen. 

The t-shirts arebeautiful, the cotton is soft, the prints are so delicate, feathers forming a heart. It doesn't contain a logo or any information about the charity, so it's something you can wear for any occasion, choosing to tell the story of the charity if you wish. The one I was sent would look lovely with dress jeans and heels and a nice jacket, or equally good for the gym, being pure cotton its comfortable to wear and breathes nicely.

There is also a range of jewellery and I intend to treat myself to a bracelet.

With Mother's Day coming up this would be a lovely gift, and it gives twice, to the recipient and also helps Harrison's Fund.