A West Midlands father completed the gruelling Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions.The father-of-two, Rich Clift, from Staffordshire, completed the 100km walk (across two days, May 16-17 2026), alongside Rich’s brothers-in-law, Ashley Pike and Mikey Green and Max’s uncle, Lee Cooper, to raise awareness and funds for the charity close to his heart.
Rich’s inspiration is his nine-year-old son, Max, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in March 2025. Initially they thought he had dyspraxia, and after months of testing, Max was finally diagnosed. Whilst there is currently no cure for the condition, Max is on two treatments called Translarna and Givinostat, as well as having steroid treatments and wearing leg splints to help manage his condition.
Following the support they’ve received from the charity, the family wanted to give something back to help others living with a muscle-wasting and weakening condition. The 38-year-old reflected on Max’s diagnosis saying: “After speaking with Max’s school he had an assessment by an occupational therapist and was referred to the community paediatrician, who suspected muscular dystrophy. We thought Max was just being clumsy and we were shocked he had a life-limiting condition. Hearing those words felt like the ground disappearing beneath our feet.“Nothing could prepare us for how quickly everything escalated from that point: blood tests, consultants and suddenly a whirlwind, we never asked to be part of. Through it all, the kindness of the professionals around us has made a huge difference. “Max has been an absolute superstar, since his diagnosis. Despite what he’s going through, he always has a smile on his face. His sheer determination to not allow the condition to hinder him is admirable.”
After successfully completing the challenge Rich said: “Taking on the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge for Muscular Dystrophy UK, was completely out of our comfort zone. Max faces a daily battle each day and shows us what true strength looks like. Every step we took, was for Max and everyone else living with a muscle wasting condition.”A local football team, Wyrley Juniors U12 JPL, will be climbing Mount Snowdon, on Saturday, June 13, to help raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity and the club.Marcus Bagley, manager of the Wyrley Juniors U12 JPL football team, said: “We’re taking on our biggest challenge yet. Together with our families, we’ll be climbing to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, to raise vital funds for our football team and two causes that mean the world to us.“Max is a football‑loving nine‑year‑old who was recently diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This life‑limiting condition weakens the muscles over time, and currently there is no cure. “We want to stand with Max and his family by raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK, who support research, care, and creates hope for children like him. Max is part of our extended football family, and this climb is for him. This isn’t just a climb — it’s a show of strength, teamwork, and community spirit. Together, we can reach the summit — and help others rise with us. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.”
To read more about the family’s story and donate, visit: musculardystrophyuk.org/RichCliftTo support Wyrley Junior FC’s climb, visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wyrleyjuniors-under12sFor more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call our free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm).