“I want to make the project as big as possible because it could be his last birthday”- Salford mum does card appeal for son with Duchenne MD

A 44-year-old mum from Salford is doing a birthday card appeal for her 23-year-old son with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  

Michelle Winnard wants to surprise her son Reece Winnard with donated cards on his birthday and raise awareness to the life-limiting condition.  

She said: “I want to make the project as big as possible because it could be his last birthday.” 

“I try to do special things like this to perk him up because this condition has taken everything from him but he’s not stopped smiling.” 

Reece has been sent 70 cards already from many different countries such as Australia and South Africa.  

He will be surprised with the cards on his 24th birthday on the 15th of April.  

Michelle’s brother also suffered with the condition and sadly passed away at 25-years-old.  

Natalie Greenhalgh, a 35-year-old carer for Reece said: “It’s a horrible condition. They seem okay up until a certain point and then they lose the ability to do everything”.” 

“It’s really difficult for families to watch the person they love lose the ability to do any function” 

“When I first met Reece, he was able to walk and now he is in a wheelchair and can only use his fingers.” 

100 boys in the UK are born with the disorder, which has a life expectancy of thirty years. 

People with the condition slowly lose their muscle functions but their mind remains unaffected, so they are completely aware.  

There is currently no cure for the genetic condition but it can be managed through treatment.  

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If you wish to send a card, more information can be found on the “Cards for Reece” Facebook page.