Zumbathon will boost research efforts of the SMA Trust

One-year-old David Dee was diagnosed in July with spinal muscular atrophy - a genetic muscle wasting condition affecting one in 6,000 children that there is currently no cure for.

David is unable to sit up or walk by himself and doctors say he will never walk.

However, there is some hope, as clinical trials by the charity the SMA Trust continue to make significant advances and a new drug is currently being tested in human trials.

David’s mum and dad, Patricia and Jonathan, are determined to do all they can to contribute to funding this research.

The couple - who also have a daughter, Juliette - have formed ‘Team David’ and are holding a massive fundraisingZumbathon event.

It will take place on January 8 from 2pm until 5pm at the HMV Ritz in Manchester city centre. They are hoping 600 will take part to make it the region’s biggest Zumbathon.

So far Team David has raised £5,000 through various fundraising events - and hope the Zumbathon will add more than £50,000 to that total.

Patricia, aged 34, who is a vice president at Barclays Wealth in Manchester, said: “It was heartbreaking when my gorgeous little David was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy and we discovered that there was no cure.

“As soon as I found out that clinical trials were starting for a new drug that could make a big difference, I knew I had to do something. With the help of the enthusiastic members of Team David and as much support as we can get, we can make a difference – not just for David, but for other sufferers of this disease.”

Patricia previously worked as an aerobics instructor in Sweden, Spain and France and qualified as a Zumba instructor earlier this year.

Tickets start at £13 and can be purchased from the Team David website at teamdavid.co.uk/zumbathon.html or they can be purchased on the day for £15.

Donations can be made to Team David at http://www.justgiving.com/teams/David-Dee For more information, visit www.teamdavid.co.uk