12:10pm Saturday 17th July 2010
By Siobhan Ryan, Health Reporter
A chance meeting at the school gates has led to a million in one friendship.
Fathers Peter Elliott and Malcolm Bourne both have two boys who have a rare muscle wasting condition that affects only 1,500 to 2,000 people in the UK.
But neither realised their families were dealing with the incurable condition, even though they live just a few doors apart in Shoreham.
The pair are now joining up to ten other drivers in specially decorated cars for the first ever Duchball Rally to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Mr Bourne, 48, of Kingsland Close, and his partner Clare Holloway, 35, have two sons with the condition – Tommy, 11, and Danny, seven.
Mr Elliott, 34.and his wife Laura, 32, also have two boys who have been diagnosed – Samuel, seven, and Owen, three.
Mr Bourne said: “We first met up about a year ago when Peter saw me with the children by the school gates.
“He asked me what was wrong and when I said Duchenne's, he said his own boys had just been diagnosed with the same thing.
“It is a rare condition so it was pretty surprising.
“We've become good friends now and the children all get on as well.
“The children were diagnosed a few years ago and it was tough to get used to.
“Tommy has to use a wheelchair now but he still enjoys getting around and loves cars.
“Danny is more mobile at the moment and likes playing with his cars but both boys needs a lot of care.
“The families are both there for each other as we know what the others are going through.”
Mr Elliott said: “It was a complete shock when our boys were diagnosed. We didn't know anything about the condition and so we were on a steep learning curve.
“We were devastated when we found out but we are determined now to make the most of every day.”
The pair, who are calling their rally team The Chavs, have decorated an old Vauxhall Nova in the classic Burberry design and added a giant medallion to complete the 600 mile course.
Mr Elliott added: “We are also determined to raise as much as we can for the charity and promote research into the condition.”
The two dads are on the look out for local businesses, individuals and organisations to help sponsor their trip and boost funds for Action Duchenne.
The rally sets off from Shoreham Beach on July 29 with the drivers expected to reach Ilfracombe in Cornwall three days later.
To support the drivers, visit www.duchball.com or www.justgiving.com/duchballrally.
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