A Shropshire grandmother whose eight-year-old grandson has a severe genetic muscle wasting disease is aiming to raise money and awareness for charity.

Eleanor Ingman, 70, from Oswestry, is carrying out various fundraising schemes to raise funds for Action Duchenne.

Her grandson Tomas Ingman, who lives in Spain, suffers with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

The charity was established in 2001 to fund new research and to provide more effective ways to treat and manage DMD.

As part of her fundraising campaign she is doing a sponsored “swim and slim” and last year she also raised over £1,000 by asking for donations in lieu of presents for her 70th birthday.

The money was split between Action Duchenne and the Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen which benefited young patients with the disease.

Mrs Ingman said: “There is currently no cure or active treatment for this condition – hope lies in research and medical science.

“Through my ‘swim and slim’ – losing one stone and swimming one mile – I hope to raise awareness of this condition and more than £1,000 for the charity. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has shown their kindness and support.”

Mrs Ingman has been backed by the Britannia Building Society in Oswestry where a bring and buy sale is being held on August 7 and 8 in aid of DMD.

Janice Jones, manager of Britannia’s Oswestry branch, said: “Eleanor has been a customer of Britannia for more than 25 years.

“We were extremely moved when hearing about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and how the condition affects both sufferers and their families, so the Britannia team in Oswestry were keen to do whatever we could to provide help and support.

“Members of the community are invited to call in to our branch on August 7 and 8 to enjoy coffee and cake and take a look at our bring and buy sale.

“Donations of money – and items for the sale – can also be made at the branch during usual opening hours.

“With the support of the community we hope Eleanor will exceed her fundraising goals, helping make progress towards a cure a reality.”

To sponsor Mrs Ingman telephone (01691) 656193 and for further information about Action Duchenne visit www.actionduchenne.org