A Camberley man is set to take on the South Coast Ultra Challenge, a 100-kilometre run, to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity supporting over 110,000 children and adults with muscle-wasting conditions. Sam Herschell, 43, will tackle the epic endurance event on September 5-6, 2026, in loving memory of his younger brother, Tom, who passed away in 2002 at age 16 from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Brother's Memory Fuels Fundraising Mission
Sam Herschell has channelled his grief into a lifelong fundraising mission. He previously completed the London Marathon and the Oxford 10k, raising thousands in Tom's honour. This September's 100k trek is his biggest challenge yet. The route starts in Eastbourne, passes Beachy Head, Seven Sisters, and South Downs Way, with an overnight stop in Brighton, before finishing in Arundel the next day.
Tom was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy as a toddler after falling regularly and missing key developmental milestones. Duchenne is a progressive, life-limiting condition that weakens muscles over time. Sam recalls: “You quickly learn about the condition, that he’d need a wheelchair, what his life expectancy was and that things would look different.”
Home Adaptations and Football Memories
The family made extensive home adjustments to accommodate Tom’s needs. “We extended door frames so his wheelchair could fit, had sliding doors, touch sensor taps, harnesses to lift him into his electric bed,” Sam said. “For us, it became the norm and our new way of life.”
Tom was a passionate Manchester United fan. His favourite player was Eric Cantona. A school connection led to a signed shirt from Cantona and the team, which Tom cherished despite it being XXXL. “I loved the club even more for doing that,” Sam said. “I miss playing football together. I’d throw the ball up for a header or he’d charge towards the goal in his wheelchair. Just because he had a disability didn’t mean he couldn’t do it, he loved playing wheelchair football.”
Struggle After Loss
Tom’s condition made it difficult to fight infections. “A common cold turned into an infection, an infection turned into pneumonia,” Sam said. “He was treated on a respiratory ward full of older people - it was horrible to witness.” After Tom’s death, the family faced a void. “As a family you’ve been carers for so long... To go from caring for my brother to suddenly not having him was a huge void.”
Inspiration for the Challenge
Sam draws strength from Tom’s positive attitude. “Tom was never down, never cried, never moaned and was always happy and smiling despite everything,” he said. “The impact my brother had on me is still very much with me. I look for the positive in everything, which inspired me to fundraise for a good cause.”
Sam added: “Tom would’ve thought I was mad doing this 100k challenge, but raising awareness is so important. I hope he’d be proud of me. He’ll be my little angel on my shoulder.”
To support Sam’s challenge, visit musculardystrophyuk.org/sam-100k. For more information about fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK, visit musculardystrophyuk.org/fundraise-your-way or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm).
