Fun run is marathon challenge for brave Leeds boy

SEVEN-year-old Euan Ashurst suffers from a terminal muscle wasting condition expected to leave him confined to a wheelchair by the time he leaves primary school.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jul 2016, 08:12 BST
Updated 4th Jul 2016, 09:17 BST
Euan Ashurst, seven, (centre) is to run a 1.5k run, ahead of the Leeds 10k. Euan is pictured with his brothers Rory and Luke. PIC: Simon HulmeEuan Ashurst, seven, (centre) is to run a 1.5k run, ahead of the Leeds 10k. Euan is pictured with his brothers Rory and Luke. PIC: Simon Hulme
Euan Ashurst, seven, (centre) is to run a 1.5k run, ahead of the Leeds 10k. Euan is pictured with his brothers Rory and Luke. PIC: Simon Hulme

Euan, of Alwoodley, Leeds, was diagnosed with incurable Duchenne muscular dystrophy aged three.

Despite the debilitating condition, Euan is determined to walk the course at a 1.5K fundraising run this weekend.

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He will take part in the Jane Tomlinson Run for All Arena Group Mini Run at Leeds Dock on Saturday July 9, which is being held ahead of the Asda Foundation Leeds 10k the following day.

Euan AshurstEuan Ashurst
Euan Ashurst

Euan, a pupil at Highfield Primary School, Moortown, will be joined by his three-year-old brother Rory.

His older brother, Luke, nine is taking part in the event’s 2.5K junior run. The boys’ father Warren Ashurst, 39, will be running in the 10K on Sunday 10.

The Ashurt family is fundraising for Euan’s Gift, a fund established by Mr Ashurst and his wife Alex, 39, to help Euan live life to the full and to support the work of Muscular Dystrophy UK.

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Mrs Ashurst, a radiographer at Leeds General Infirmary, said: “The 1.5km course will be the equivalent of a marathon for him but he is determined to do it with his brothers to help raise awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK and the fund we have set up in his name.

Euan Ashurst aged 7 (front centre), pictured with his parents Warren and Alex, and brothers Rory aged 3 and Luke aged 9, at home in Alwoodley, Leeds.Euan Ashurst aged 7 (front centre), pictured with his parents Warren and Alex, and brothers Rory aged 3 and Luke aged 9, at home in Alwoodley, Leeds.
Euan Ashurst aged 7 (front centre), pictured with his parents Warren and Alex, and brothers Rory aged 3 and Luke aged 9, at home in Alwoodley, Leeds.

“The money raised will be split to ensure Euan gets to make some fantastic memories and the best care possible and Muscular Dystrophy UK.”

“He is still able to walk at the moment, but he uses a wheelchair for long distances. He will probably be in a wheelchair full time by the time he leaves primary school.”

Mrs Ashurst added: “As a family we have times when we struggle, but we get on with it. We make the most of the time we have got with him.”

To support the family, go to, go to www.gofundme.com/6rllqk

Related topics:Leeds