A DAD who was ‘shocked’ to find out his son’s life expectancy was unlikely to surpass his teens has found a unique way for people to ask questions.
Ben Dolling, a long-haul pilot for British Airways from Droitwich Spa, said his nine-year-old son Harry will be in a wheelchair by the age of 10 or 11.
“My son was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” the 55-year-old said.
“It affects one in 3,500 boys. It’s a muscle-wasting disease. My son will be in a wheelchair by the age of 10 or 11.
“Life expectancy is teenager to mid-20s, if you’re lucky.
“It was a bit of a shock to us all.”
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Mr Dolling found out about his son’s condition after having him tested at the hospital because “he wasn’t functioning like a normal toddler.”
He is now looking to raise money for Action Duchenne – the charity that provided vital support following the devastating news.
“Action Duchenne got in touch with us and they were brilliant with us,” he said.
“They introduced us to other people. They have made it a lot easier than just being by yourself.”
RAISE: Ben Dolling (left) will be running the London Marathon in support of Action Duchenne (Image: Ben Dollman)
Mr Dolling will be running the London Marathon in support of the charity, sporting his own homemade parrot costume.
“I thought, I have got to make myself noticeable, something bright, so I thought I’d do it in a parrot outfit,” he explained.
“I sewed it myself and I have done a few runs to test it.
“My stitching is holding together.
“It is very colourful.”
After setting an initial fundraising target of £2500, Mr Dolling has now almost raised £4,500.
The money includes donations from strangers who have noticed an advertisement he has put outside his front door.
To sponsor Mr Dolling, visit https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ben-dolling.
“It’s been amazing,” he said. “I last did the London Marathon 37 years ago in 1989.”
OUTFIT: Ben Dolling (pictured in a practice race) will be running in a homemade parrot costume (Image: Ben Dollman)
He has been training in costume while in the UK while replicating the hot conditions he will be subjected to on the day when abroad with his work.
“The suit is very hot,” he explained. “I’ve trained on night stops all over the world.
“Places like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Mexico City, Jeddah, Cape Town, and Dubai.
“It’s been hot in most of them so that’s been great preparation for running in a costume.
“I want people to notice the costume, ask questions, and learn about Duchenne.
“If that helps raise funds and support even one more family, it will all be worth it.”
