Joining Jack charity gets its own star on Wigan's Walk of Fame

Joining Jack has been recognised for its work in the charity sector and contribution to the local community.

With borough youngster Jack Johnson as its figurehead, the charity raises vital funds and awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Representatives – including the Johnson family - gathered in Wigan Town Hall to receive formally their star ahead of the Run Wigan Festival which takes place on Sunday, March 19.

Joining Jack was created in 2012 by parents Andy (a former Wigan rugby player) and Alex when Jack was diagnosed with DMD, a currently incurable genetic disorder which affects one in every 3,500 boys worldwide.

The diagnosis sparked a movement to fund research and raise awareness of the disease.

Alex said: “Ten years ago, Andy and I had never heard of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and now it is such a big part of our lives. The landscape has completely changed.

“When Jack was diagnosed, there were no clinical trials, the focus was on giving the boys the best quality of life and me and my husband decided we wanted to make a change and something happen for the boys. We have now got over 30 clinical trials running in the UK.

“We set up a project called the DMD hub which has established a network for 11 clinical trial sites which are delivering trials to 500 boys – which do give families hope. Jack is on one of the 30 trials at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital that have just presented results of the study and it is showing it is slowing the progression of the disease.

“Instead of the boys stopping walking, they’re walking for longer and they’ve been able to do activities they have previously lost the ability to do. Jack is amazing, he gets on with things and is living his best life.

“He loves school, he coaches rugby which he is very proud of, playing. He’s doing his GCSEs so he could do a little bit more work on his homework if possible – he’s a typical 15-year-old boy.

“He understands without us doing this work these opportunities for clinical trials and research wouldn’t happen so he wants to help. He is one of very few boys getting access to these trials.

“He knows a few boys with Duchenne that don’t have this access and that does upset him – he wants to help them to get it as well. Us raising awareness will hopefully lead to them getting access as well.”

Despite being a leading figure in the charity alongside mum, Alex, and dad, Andy, he seems unfazed by the duty on the surface. However, he admitted it can be tough constantly going for treatment to maintain his health.

“This day means a lot to me because it is about 10 years for the charity and putting down the star as we continue to find a cure,” the 15-year-old said. “We want to find a cure for Duchenne because at the moment all these boys around the world need treatment and we just can’t give it to them.

“We are trying and hopefully we’ll be able to find it in the future. I’ve got big exams coming up and it’s a lot to deal with but I am always here for the charity and to help other boys with Duchenne. It has always been about helping them to find a cure.”

Jack coaches a trophy winning rugby team for school and the rugby community has been a big boost for him and the charity. Owen Farrell still joins his fingers for the camera after every try and kick conversion – which is huge in front of millions of Six Nations viewers at the moment.

Leader of Wigan Council, David Molyneux MBE, said: “For more than 10 years Jack’s story – paired with the hard work and determination to secure a better future for both Jack and children across the world - has captured the hearts of so many here in Wigan borough.

“Over the last decade the Wigan 10k, Run Wigan Festival and Wigan Bike Ride have gone from strength to strength, attracting thousands of entrants each year – giving residents the opportunity to give something back and inspiring them to get active.

“We’re proud to be recognising this long-standing commitment with a star on Believe Square and look forward to seeing what comes next.”

Individuals and organisations who have made a long-standing impact on the local community are awarded stars.

Other illustrious recipients of stars on Believe Square include Hollywood actor Sir Ian McKellen, keyworkers in the Covid-19 pandemic and Olympic athlete Jenny Meadows.

Find out more about the charity by visiting their website: joiningjack.org