A DORCHESTER school held a video game marathon to help one of its pupils who suffers from an an incurable disease.
Jensen Pittman attends the Prince of Wales School in Maiden Castle Road and has DMD - duchenne muscular dystrophy, which causes severe muscle weakness.
He was diagnosed in June 2019, three months before his sixth birthday.
His parents, Simon and Sabrina, set up 'Mission Jensen' to raise money for the charity Duchenne UK, a charity aiming to put an end to the life-threatening disease.
In support of the national charity, the Dorchester school held a one-off 'FIFA Marathon Day' on Monday, March 6, which saw children attend school in sports kits in exchange for a donation.
The school teaches children who have significant barriers to their learning, including youngsters with serious medical conditions, learning difficulties and syndromes.
Jensen's dad Mr Pittman also challenged head teacher Gary Spracklen to a seven-hour match on the popular video game between their respective teams, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Red Devils fan Mr Spracklen admitted it was not the best timing for the contest having seen his team suffer a heavy 7-0 defeat at the hands of the Merseyside club in the Premier League on March 5.
"Let's be honest, raising money for a good cause is the only reason anyone would be wearing a Manchester United shirt after [the] 7-0 loss to Liverpool," he said.
The FIFA match was played on a big projected screen in the school hall with children invited to join in for a minimum donation of £5.
Jensen’s parents Simon and Sabrina said: “Duchenne is a heart-breaking condition, but with the support of others we are determined to find a cure.
"Jensen is a kind, cheeky and inquisitive boy who loves learning. From space to penguins, reading to playing Sonic, Jensen just wants to soak up the world around him with his younger sister.
"Please help us in making Jensen’s life, and hopefully the rest of the Duchenne community, as mobile and happy as possible."
To donate to 'Mission Jensen' for Duchenne UK, visit www.duchenneuk.org/mission-jensen/
