Millie Bampton, a 25-year-old from Tamworth, was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) at age seven after finding physical education lessons difficult. Now, alongside her 13-year-old sister Lola, who has never been able to walk due to the same condition, Millie is walking 150 miles throughout July to raise awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Early signs and diagnosis
Millie recalls: “At school I often found PE lessons difficult, especially activities involving running, jumping and just generally keeping up with my classmates. At the time, I didn't understand why these things were harder for me, until I was diagnosed with LGMD.”
Unlike Millie, Lola was tested and diagnosed almost immediately after birth. “When my sister, Lola, was born, she was tested and diagnosed almost straight away. Unlike me, Lola has never been able to walk,” Millie said.
Living with LGMD
Limb girdle muscular dystrophy is a degenerative condition that progressively weakens muscles, particularly around the shoulders and hips. Millie explains: “Things that many people take for granted, such as walking long distances, climbing stairs, standing for long periods, balance, strength and mobility, can become physically exhausting and increasingly difficult. As the condition is degenerative, the future can feel uncertain. I try not to let it stop me from doing the things I enjoy or achieving my goals.”
Having each other has been a huge source of strength. “As sisters, we understand what it’s like to live with LGMD in a way that very few people can, and we support each other through the good and bad days,” Millie added.
150-mile challenge
Throughout July, Millie will walk five miles every day, covering local routes and countryside trails in the Tamworth area. She acknowledges the difficulty: “Walking 150 miles in a month would be hard for most – but it’ll be 10 times harder for me. For many people, going for a walk is something they don't think twice about. For me, every mile requires extra effort.”
She describes the sensation: “The best way to describe it, is like walking with heavy weights attached to your legs while your muscles gradually become more fatigued with every step. Some days will be more challenging than others.”
Raising awareness and funds
Millie is fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK to improve treatments, support families, and fund research. “There are days when living with LGMD is incredibly frustrating, especially knowing there’s currently no cure. However, it’s made me resilient and determined. I don’t take things for granted and appreciate what my body can do, rather than focusing solely on its limitations. I wanted to do something positive to raise awareness of the condition and shine a light on the realities of living with it,” she said.
She emphasises the need for more funding: “There’s still so much that people don’t know about this condition. More funding is desperately needed to help improve treatments, support individuals and their families, and fund vital research towards better outcomes for the future.”
Personal determination
Despite the challenges, Millie remains resolute: “This challenge won’t be easy, but neither is living with a condition that progressively takes strength and mobility away. While LGMD is part of my life, it doesn’t define who I am, and I’m going to prove that in July.”
