Inspirational mum calls for runners to join Oxford Town and Gown 10k

Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity which supports those living with a muscle-wasting condition, is delighted to announce that Anne Peterson, from Corringham, Essex, will be the official race starter at this year’s event.

The 66-year-old has been a huge supporter of the charity following the diagnosis of her beloved son, Paul Peterson, aged nine. Paul’s diagnosis was a long process after his delayed movements were picked up whilst undergoing tests for growth delay.

Under the care of Great Ormond Street Hospital, he was first diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy, years later he received another diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, so it appeared he was on the border line of both conditions.

Paul had a passion for writing and got his dream job as a journalist for a local paper, where he worked for over 12 years. He wrote his last article two days before passing but sadly never got to read the published version, so the family included a copy within his coffin.

Anne said: “Paul was always such a loving, considerate child and as an adult he had a wicked sense of humour, and an infectious smile. Throughout his life he was resilient and lived his life to the full.

"Paul was passionate about educating people about muscular dystrophy and helping them understand the condition better. He loved to campaign for the cause and wanted to make a difference for others living with muscular dystrophy.”

Paul dressed as the character Eddie Valiant from the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit at his film-themed 30th birthday party

Anne is delighted to be opening the oldest run in the series, which is the only closed-road city centre 10k in Oxford with a glorious stretch along the River Cherwell and finishing in the University Parks.

The sister event in Cambridge will take place on Sunday 15 October with an equally magnificent closed-road city centre route and a section along the River Cam.

The Oxford event started in 1982 by local runners as a fun run to raise funds for muscular dystrophy and still to this day all profits from the events go to MDUK. Collectively, it’s raised more than £2 million and every 10k makes a difference, so please join in – run the race to beat muscle-wasting conditions.

Anne and her family have continued to support the charity in memory of Paul since he passed away in July 2014, aged 34, and they have collectively raised over £188,000 to date to help MDUK’s vital work.                                                                                                                              

Anne said: “It only seemed right to continue to do all we can in Paul’s memory, to help raise awareness and much needed money to fund research into new treatments and ultimately find a cure for future generations.

"I’m honoured to be able to start this year’s race and I know Paul would be very proud I have been asked to do so.”

Anne after finishing the London Marathon in 2021 CREDIT MDUK

Avinash Bhogun, MDUK’s Town and Gown Series Events Manager said: “We are thrilled that Anne has agreed to be our official race starter for this year’s Bidwells Oxford Town and Gown and is doing so in Paul’s memory.

"Collectively, the family play an instrumental role in helping to raise awareness of muscle-wasting conditions and have raised much needed funds throughout the years.

"We are grateful for their ongoing support and Anne was the perfect choice to start the race and give our thousands of runners some words of encouragement.”

The race is a great opportunity for the community in Oxford, Cambridge and surrounding areas to come together and show their support for MDUK.

To learn more about the Bidwells Town and Gown 10k series and sign up for your place today visit townandgown10k.com