A MOTHER whose son has a rare form of muscular dystrophy is taking the plunge to thank a charity which has helped her family.

Jayne Hatchard's three-year-old boy Tyler was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy last year and the 37-year-old from Southwick is now preparing to make a 15,000 skydive as part of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s (MDUK) Make Today Count annual fundraiser on February 27.

Tyler was a late developer and he was 21 months old before he was able to walk.

When his nursery reported they felt something was “not quite right” with Tyler, Ms Hatchard took him to her GP and he was referred for tests.

When the condition was confirmed, Ms Hatchard got a lot of help and support from MDUK, which put her in contact with other families and gave updates on the latest research.

Ms Hatchard, an office co-ordinator, said: “The emotional impact of Duchenne can really take its toll and I know it is only going to get harder as Tyler gets older.

“Tyler is still very young. He doesn’t really understand his condition yet. We tell him his legs aren’t as strong as his friends’, so he understands how important it is to do his stretching exercises.

“I try not to think about the future too much, and try to just take each day as it comes. There is lots of research taking place, and I’m really hopeful that better treatment, and hopefully a cure will be found soon.

“I hope that there is a way of speeding up the waiting time for diagnosis results. It took more than four months for us to receive the results of Tyler’s formal diagnosis – it is too long and painful for families to have to wait.”

Ms Hatchard will be joined by Tyler’s dad along with 12 friends and family, for the skydive and they have already raised £6,500 although they are hoping to boost that further.

She said: “I’m a mix of scared and excited when I think about jumping out of a plane, but knowing I’m doing it to raise money and awareness for the charity and most importantly for Tyler makes it all worthwhile.”

To sponsor Ms Htchard, visit justgiving.com/maketodaycountfortyler.