“We thought he was absolutely crazy” – Wigan runner begins 72-hour challenge inspired by brave little Toby
Today (Friday, July 17), Andy, a General Manager at The P.E Academy, sports coach and run leader with Standish Globe Runners, begins the incredible endurance challenge in aid of Together for Toby – a campaign raising funds and awareness for CureDM, a UK charity supporting families living with Myotonic Dystrophy.
Andy will run five miles every four hours for three days, finishing his challenge at midnight on Monday, July 20. His routes will take him through Leigh, Wigan, Southport, Standish and Atherton, with fellow runners, cyclists and supporters joining him at different stages along the way.
For Toby’s family, Andy’s determination is just another example of the incredible support they’ve received since their lives changed forever.
Toby was just three weeks old when he was diagnosed with Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (CDM1), the most severe form of a rare, progressive and incurable genetic condition that causes muscle weakness and affects multiple systems in the body. Just three months later, his mum was also diagnosed with the adult-onset form of the disease.
“The prognosis for DM1 is scary and daunting,” she said. “Life quality and expectancy are tough to comprehend.”
Now approaching his third birthday, Toby uses a wheelchair and is unable to stand or walk. Whether that will be possible in the future remains unknown.
Despite the challenges he faces every day, his mum says Toby continues to amaze everyone around him: “He works incredibly hard every day and has amazed us all with his strength, determination and infectious positive attitude.”
The family began fundraising for CureDM on Toby’s first birthday when his dad, Brad, dyed his hair bright green for International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day, raising just over £1,000.
What started as one fundraiser has grown into Together for Toby, which launched in April 2025 as CureDM’s first-ever Together Campaign. Thanks to the support of the local community, the campaign is now approaching an incredible £25,000 raised.
“I had to leave my job as an SEN teacher to become Toby’s full-time carer,” Toby’s mum said. “I am so glad I get to give something back.”
She now volunteers as CureDM’s Social Content and Engagement Lead, helping to raise awareness for other families affected by the condition. She says the response from across Wigan has been overwhelming.
“The town of Wigan and the local community have been nothing short of amazing, donating raffle prizes, sharing our story and so much more.”
More than 50 runners took part for Team Toby at this year’s Run Wigan Festival, while Standish Globe Runners chose Together for Toby as its Charity of the Year, helping to raise both funds and awareness for the charity.
It was through the running club that Andy first heard Toby’s story.
“He reached out after hearing about us and offered to do the challenge of running five miles every four hours for 72 hours, which we thought was absolutely crazy, but we were all up for supporting him,” Toby’s mum said.
“It would be absolutely great if people could get down and support him on one of his runs. I am sure the Wigan community would love to get behind him.”
Andy has completed a similar endurance challenge before, running five miles every four hours for 48 hours in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. This time, he’s pushing himself even further by extending it to 72 hours for Together for Toby.
Over the next three days, Andy’s routes will include runs around Leigh, Astley, Atherton, Southport, the DW Stadium, Standish and the Leigh Canal, with supporters welcome to join him for sections of the challenge or cheer him on along the way.
As Andy sets off on the first of his 18 runs today, every mile will help raise vital funds for CureDM while shining a light on Toby’s story and the thousands of families living with Myotonic Dystrophy.
For Toby’s family, Andy’s challenge isn’t just about the miles he’s running- it’s a reminder that they aren’t facing this journey alone.
ANDY’S FULL 72-HOUR CHALLENGE ROUTE
Friday, July 17
12am – Leigh to Astley (out and back)
4am – Leigh Bypass Loop
8am – Leigh Bus Station to Lilford Lane Loop
12pm – Leigh Marina Canal (out and back)
4pm – Four Lane Ends to Leigh
8pm – Leigh to Bents Garden Centre (out and back)
Saturday, July 18
12am – Leigh to Atherton (out and back)
4am – Leigh to Astley (out and back)
8am – Southport Coastal Path (out and back)
12pm – Southport Coastal Path Loop
4pm – DW Stadium Loops
8pm – Standish Loop
Sunday, July 19
12am – Leigh to Atherton (out and back)
4am – Leigh to Astley (out and back)
8am – Leigh Canal Route
12pm – Standish Loop
4pm – Andy Connelly Run
8pm – World Cup Final Quiet Run
Monday, July 20
12am – Final five-mile run to complete the 72-hour challenge.
Andy is inviting supporters to join him throughout the weekend, whether that’s running alongside him, cycling or simply cheering him on. You can donate here.
