Staff at an IT firm in Heywood are set to take on a triple challenge in aid of a cause close to one its director's hearts.
Ikonic’s director of sales Tony Levene has an 18-year-old son, Joey, who was diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) when he was a young child.
Tony and his colleagues at the IT technology distributor, based at Heywood Distribution Park on Pilsworth Road, are set to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in April to raise funds for Duchenne UK.
The charity carries out research into new DMD treatments, a care programme for people who have the genetic disorder and its work to develop new technologies.
Tony has been a long-standing supporter of the charity, raising more than £100,000 to date.
He said: “I’m so proud and grateful to everyone at Ikonic who have always supported my quest in finding a viable treatment for Joey and all with Duchenne.”
The Ikonic team will be taking on the 24-miles round trip route, which includes 1585m (5,200ft) of ascent, taking on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres), in under 12 hours.
A crowdfunding page has been set up and the team has set a fundraising goal of £10,000 which would go towards finding a cure and advancing technologies and treatments for the rare disease.
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Ikonic’s group marketing manager, Guy Woodcock, said: “I have done the Yorkshire Three Peaks before. But this time it is different.
"Having contracted cellulitis last year I have struggled with swelling in my leg, I’ve been in some form of pain every day. But that’s nothing compared to what Tony’s son, Joey, is going through.
“I have met Joey a few times and I have always enjoyed his company and I am excited to be able to do this challenge with my Ikonic colleagues.
"It’s going to be a very hard challenge, but I’m determined to succeed for Joey and everyone with DMD.”
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