AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy who has a rare degenerative muscle wasting disease will be making a splash with 12 of his friends to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Adam Sevenoaks, who lives in Sutton Poyntz with his mum Mary and dad Malcolm, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2010 at just four years old.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a severe degenerative muscle wasting disease, which will lead to paralysis and will significantly shorten Adam’s life.

Mary told the Echo: “At present there is no cure but treatment and support can help improve both the quality and length of Adam’s life.

“Adam is known to us all as one very special little boy who is very determined and will give everything a go, no matter how difficult it is for him.

“We’re so proud to be Adam’s parents and admire him for his courage and determination.”

Adam recently heard about Muscular Dystrophy UK’s ‘Move a Mile for Muscles’ campaign and told his parents he wanted to help by doing something he enjoys - swimming.

His friends from school - the St Andrews Primary School in Weymouth - also decided to lend a helping hand and 11 of them will be swimming one mile of Weymouth Swimming Pool as a relay, completing approximately six lengths per person.

One of Adam’s friends will also be completing a separate mile swim to raise further funds.

Mary added: “Every penny raised will go towards funding Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Duchenne research breakthrough fund.

“This fund is making a vital impact for families like ours and others across the UK.

“We would encourage anyone interested to come along, watch the sponsored swim and give what they can. Any donations will be much appreciated.”

Adam and his parents have a fundraising target of £1,000 –with Adam already managing to raise more than £500 on his Just Giving page.

Adam’s swim will take place on Sunday, August 23 at 8.30am at Weymouth Swimming Pool.

Muscle-wasting conditions are very rare, affecting just over one in every 1,000 people.

Muscular Dystrophy UK’s head of regional development Gary Kernahan said: “We’re delighted to hear about Adam’s plans for our summer fundraising campaign.

“Involving friends is a great way to raise vital funding and awareness of our charity’s work.

“Every penny raised by people like Adam will help us support the 70,000 families living with muscle-wasting conditions.

“We want to say a big thank you for all the effort he is putting in to organise his event.

“There’s still time for people to organise their own fundraising events, with plenty of ideas on our website.”

To donate to Adam’s fundraising swim visit justgiving.com/AdamAndFriends-MoveAMileForMuscles/

To find out more about Muscular Dystrophy visit musculardystrophyuk.org