THE parents of a teenage girl living with a very rare muscle-wasting condition are hoping Gazette readers will pledge support to their Great North Run 2019 team.

Thirteen-year-old Ella Dixon was just four when her mum Clare and dad Craig, received the devastating news she was a manifesting carrier of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The Kendal teen is one of only five girls in the UK with the diagnosis. Her family have devoted the past few years towards raising awareness as well as money for research to help find a cure.

The #teamella fund they set up with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) has raised an impressive £56,000 so far thanks to the efforts of local people at events such as skydives, half marathons, coffee mornings, swims, bag packing, charity nights, race nights and cricket matches.

They are hoping their 17-strong team in the Great North Run in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Sunday, September 8 will boost the total even further.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a serious condition causing muscles to weaken over time, and usually affects only boys.

"As parents we have been overwhelmed by the support received over the last nine years," said Clare and Craig, who described how their supporters have become close family friends and "a massive support network" for them and Ella.

"This gives us the determination to carry on fundraising and hopefully help MDUK in finding a cure to Ella's condition."

This year's Great North Run will be the fourth for #teamella. If you would like to donate, see www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-dixon13 or call Craig on 07798-660075.

There are also collection tins at Kendal Cricket Club, the Hair Bazaar salon on Highgate, and Westmorland Flooring on Beezon Road Trading Estate, all in Kendal.

"We are trying to drum up support for the #teamella runners as we know how difficult it is to raise money," said Ella's parents.

"We've had some amazing support from local businesses who have helped with coach travel, T-shirt printing and raffle prizes. We've even had Hair Bazaar salon on Highgate create a #teamella window display to raise awareness."

The family are grateful to donors who have helped the Great North Run 2019 team, including builders' merchant Jewson Builders merchant, Lake District Audi, Dark Horse Publications and Adam Pashley Plumbing and Heating.