SOUTH Swindon MP Julia Drown has joined the parliamentary group on muscular dystrophy to raise funds for the treatment of children suffering from the disease.

Although rarely publicised, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic muscle-wasting disease that claims the lives of over 100 boys a year in the UK.

Boys with DMD are unable to walk by the time they reach nine years old and by the time they are in their late teens, they are often fighting for their lives.

Although there is no cure, scientists in the UK are leading the way in gene therapy trials to help improve muscle use in children suffering from the disease.

The all-party group is supported by Parent Project UK, which is launching a campaign this year to try and win £5 million for further research into treatment for the disease.

Julia said: "I know the people of Swindon will understand that affected families are desperate to see progress made in the treatment and ultimately a cure, of this tragic disease.

"The Government is already giving £1.6 million to fund current trials, which may help cure this and other diseases.

"I am keen to see even more support for this extremely worthwhile cause."