Takin’ Charge nominated for Big Lottery Awards 2016

A charity supporting disabled youngsters with a rare genetic condition has been nominated for the finals of the Big Lottery Awards 2016.
The national lottery funded project, Takin’ Charge, helps boys in the UK with the physical condition ,Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), through the transition to adulthood.
As the condition is progressive and muscle waisting most youngsters are in a wheelchair by their teens, and with different medical side effects short life expectancies use to be common.
However now medical interventions, like steroids and ventilation systems, are seeing people regularly live until at least their 30’s.
 It is therefore vital that the 14-19 year olds the charity helps are ready for becoming adults. 
Giving advice about opportunities for the future in terms of employment, education, health and relationships e.t.c the project, part of a wider charity for the condition Action Duchenne, highlights what can still be achieved in adulthood and how to best prepared.
Dr Janet Hoskin, co-manager of Takin’ Charge, says, ‘Now that the outlook for Duchenne is so much better than it was 15 years ago it is crucial that we are supporting our young people to think seriously and aspirationally about their future – the sort of jobs they want to do, where they want to live and who they want to see.
‘It would be great to win the Lottery award and acknowledge the fabulous work of the project’.
Another important part of the scheme are the talks and sessions led by adults with DMD, who speak first hand about their own experiences hopefully acting as sources of inspiration for youngsters.
Having the condition myself and being able to speak about my personal achievements I know how important the charity is for young people and their families.
And now that the difference the charity is making has been recognised by the National Lottery Award 2016 in the Best Education category, winning the award would be the perfect opportunity to raise further awareness of the condition.
The succesfull project will receive a £3,000 cash prize and have a slot on a BBC One Show in September. 
Voting for the award has now opened and will remain so until the 20th of July 2016 so if you can take the time to vote, at http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards, this would be much appreciated.
For any further information on Takin’ Charge visit http://www.actionduchenne.org/education/takin-charge/.