This illness could end the lives of Brody and Cooper in childhood

This illness could end the lives of Brody and Cooper in childhood

26 May 2021

A DOWNPATRICK family is raising money for medical treatment in the US for two young brothers with a life-limiting condition.

Eight year-old Brody Peden and his five year-old brother, Cooper, have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

It’s the most common fatal genetic disorder to affect children around the world and affects every muscle in a child’s body.

There is no cure for the disorder at the moment and most children who have it are usually in a wheelchair by the age of 12.

The brothers’ parents, Alison and Mark, were first alerted to something amiss when Brody’s teacher at Spa Primary School noticed he was slower than the other children getting up off the floor after story time.

Mrs Peden explained: “My husband and I took Brody to the doctor and after physio, tests, and a referral to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and Guys and St Thomas Hospital in London, Brody was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Six weeks later, Brody’s brother, Cooper, also tested positive.

“Our lives were changed forever,” she said. “We know this illness has the potential to end the lives of Brody and Cooper in their childhood.”

The couple have another son, Alex aged 11, who does not have DMD and attends Spa Primary with his brothers. 

The family began to research what could be done and from talking to other parents whose children had DMD and found out about a study trial taking place in the US.

The parents took Brody for treatment and were so impressed they enrolled Cooper into the programme.

They took both boys to the US for medical study trial in USA at the start of the year, in the hope of being able to stave off the effects of the disease.

The cost of the treatment is £76,500 ($100,000) each year and the family have launched an appeal to raise £150,000.

Mrs Peden stressed: “It’s worth every penny, as the treatments help prolong the boys’ lives and keep them walking until a cure for DMD is found”.

Supporters have donated just over £23,000 so far. Greenleaf Forest School in Spa is holding a special charity fun day on Saturday, June 19, with all proceeds going to the fundraising target.

Owner Martine Christine said that there four one-hour sessions costing £10 available to be booked starting from 10am to 2.45pm.

She met the boys when they attended the Forest School over Easter.

“I have spent some time with these two little boys when they come over to Forest School with their class and they are beautiful children,” said Martine.

“It’s heartbreaking to know that they have such a struggle ahead. Any support we can give them as a community is definitely worthwhile.”

Booking at www.greenleafforestschool.com is advisable as spaces are limited. To support the Peden family’s campaign, please visit www.brodyandcooper.com