AN INCURABLE life-limiting disease preventing a young boy from playing with his friends has inspired one father to take on a marathon challenge.

Ben McKeown, 39, is in training for the National Three Peaks Challenge followed by the Great North Run in aid of his friend’s son, Mitchell, six, who suffers with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

The rare genetic condition – which has no known cure – affects all the muscles in the body, causing them to waste away.

However Mr McKeown, from Darlington, is determined to raise £1,000 for Harrison’s Fund, a charity dedicated to funding research into DMD.

Mr McKeown said: “He (Mitchell) wishes that Santa could fix his muscles, or that there was just some medicine that will magic it all better but unfortunately there isn’t yet.

“All there is is hope, which is why I am raising money for Harrison’s Fund.”

Mr McKeown will climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon this weekend before taking on the Great North Run half-marathon on September 11. To donate, visit justgiving.com