THE big three-oh has inspired a group of school friends to sign up for a running challenge for a charity close to their heart.

Alex Morgan and Sean Patterson from Andover are taking part in next year’s Surrey Half Marathon in March for Harrison’s Fund. after turning thirty

They will be joined by friends, Shaun Bibby, from Birmingham, and Chris Golding, from Shrewsbury.

The charity was set up in 2012 and funds research into Duchenne - a rare genetic condition which affects all the muscles in the body, causing them to waste away.

Alex said: “As a group of friends we have always been in to running and cycling, and after all recently turning 30, we decided we needed a new challenge.

“We have learnt about the work Harrison’s Fund do through my wife, Laura, who started working there last summer and wanted to help be part of the biggest team that Harrison’s Fund have had at the Surrey Half.

“Shaun’s soon-to-be wife, Kim, has since been inspired to sign up too and will be running with her friend Steph who also lives in Andover, so it could get a little bit competitive – but all for a good cause!”

Harrison’s Fund’s goal is to get as much money as possible into the hands of researchers who are working to find a cure for Duchenne.

The charity is currently funding 16 research projects in the US and the UK.

Laura Morgan, events fundraiser at Harrison’s Fund and Alex’s wife, added: “I am so proud of Alex and our friends for taking up the mantle and running for Harrison’s Fund. Our dog, Mabel, is pretty impressed too as she is loving all the extra runs she is getting!

“Since I started working for the charity back in summer I hear on a daily basis what a difference it is making to the lives of families with Duchenne, so to have our friends contribute to that, is really wonderful.”

To sponsor the team, go to https://give.everydayhero.com/uk/the-boys-are-raising-money-for-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy.