A TEENAGER with a rare genetic condition joined his whole family in different challenges to raise urgent funds during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mikey Turner, from Rusper near Crawley, suffers from a genetic malfunction of the UBTF gene, which causes a progressive neuromuscular decline in adults.

When Mikey was three his parents thought something might be wrong, as he appeared clumsy at times and there were problems with his speech.

Now 17, Mikey moved to the Chailey Heritage Foundation in 2016 after his condition worsened.

The charity provides care, education and transition services to children and young adults with complex physical disabilities.

Mikey’s mum Jenny said: “Chailey Heritage has been an absolute lifeline for us. We were really struggling back in 2016.

“Mikey’s needs had become more and more complex and he required a team of eight carers to provide care 24/7.

“We regard Chailey Heritage as an extension to our family.”

The charity’s annual Focus 10k event, usually a highlight in the charity’s calendar, was due to take place at Borde Hill Garden on Sunday but could not go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, supporters carried out different “virtual” challenges by doing their own runs or individual activities around the theme of the number ten.

Mikey completed a 5k bike ride on-site at Chailey Heritage and did ten minutes in his stander, while the rest of his family also rose to their own challenges – even his sister Zoe, 27, who is 9,500 miles away in Australia.

Zoe chose to do a 5k run and planted 5,000 melon seeds on the farm where she is working, while Mikey’s other sister Gemma, 24, did ten one-hour activities including cycling and using the cross trainer.

Mikey’s dad Andrew did a 10k run and cycled 100 miles around the Sussex countryside, while Jenny completed two 5k runs in one day for the first time ever.

She said: “After a busy day, as a team we achieved 162.4 miles, burned 10,000 calories, did 26.5 hours of exercise and planted 5,000 melons.

“We’re all elated and exhausted.

“A big well done to Mikey and Chailey Heritage who have inspired us all.”

The Turner family have raised almost £4,000 for the Chailey Heritage Foundation, which is in greater need of funds amid the pandemic, due to cancelled events.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/turnerfamilyfocus10.