Being diagnosed with a progressive condition might make many of us feel that we could no longer live life to the full and that options were limited. However, that has never been the attitude of Henry Biggin.
Told at 18 that he has FSH (facioscapulohumeral) muscular dystrophy (MD), a muscle-wasting condition that affects his shoulders, calves and lower back, Henry, now 29, is determined that this will not dictate his life.
With his twin brother, Edward, brothers Oliver, 30, and William, 24, and their cousin Rupert Lowther, 29, Henry grew up in a sporty, outdoorsy family in north Bristol. Their competitive streak has led the five to establish a running events organisation, PWR Endure, to motivate others who share their passion for running, discipline and self-improvement.
Their Backyard Ultra aims to raise funds and awareness of Muscular Dystrophy and to inspire those living with the condition. The event at Tockington Manor School, on May 23 and 24, uses a globally recognised format. Participants must complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, for up to 30 hours (125 miles in total for those who last the distance). The last runner standing wins, but if more than one runner reaches 30 hours, a final head-to-head loop decides who receives the £500 prize.
Henry had just finished college and was preparing to join the Navy when his twin noticed that something didn’t look right with his shoulder blade. After months of tests, his diagnosis was confirmed.
Recalling that time, Henry explained: “I had a late diagnosis; the symptoms hadn’t been severe so it wasn’t picked up until later. I was lucky really, to have had my childhood without this being an issue. It definitely made me look at things differently in terms of my body and future – but things happen for a reason. This ultra event has been built around pushing personal limits and building a supportive community, something that’s become really important to me over the last few years.”
Training for the event will soon start in earnest. Despite experiencing fatigue in his shoulders, lower back and calves, Henry has continued weight training and kickboxing, as well as running.
“Building up muscle gives them longevity.” he explains. “Staying fit both mentally and physically gives me strength and resilience to not let this condition define me.”
“The event will actually start a day early so that the children at the school can take part too, on their last day before half term.”
PWR Endure began as an endurance event for a few family and friends but has escalated into a full running-event organisation,.
The family hope that 200 people will take part in their Backyard Ultra.
For more information on the event, including tickets to take part, sponsorship and donating to MDUK, see: www.pwrendure.com