My name is Zach Maasbach and I am running the Richmond RUN-FEST Marathon on 10th September 2023 . I am running to raise money for Lucas Thomas. Lucas is a 9 year old who is the son of a longstanding friend of mine, Steve. I met Steve over 20 years ago when I started playing for the local basketball team in Folkestone, Kent. Steve and I grew up playing basketball together and he has two lovely children - Grace and Lucas.

Lucas was diagnosed at a young age with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD causes all the muscles in the body to gradually weaken and there is currently no cure. It is caused by a fault, known as a mutation, on the dystrophin gene. Dystrophin is a protein that protects muscles; without it, muscles are easily damaged, and their strength and function is weakened. It eventually affects all the muscles in the body, including the heart and lungs.

Lucas has been through years of various treatments including medical trials. He is a tremendously brave lad and has such an upbeat and fun spirit in him. As a friend, I have watched from a distance and have seen the strength and love which Steve and the family have shown. I am honoured to have them as friends.

Steve has run a marathon himself to raise money for a charity tackling the condition called Action Duchenne. I approached Steve recently and convniced him to let me do something to help. I asked if I could run to raise money for Lucas to be used for anything they needed - whether that be a bucket list item for the family like a special trip away or for any additional equipment or specialist help Lucas could benefit from.

Lucas has been a regular supporter over the years at basketball games Steve and I have played in. It is nice to do something to now support him and with that in mind, I ask if you would be willing to join me in showing love and support for Lucas and his family by sponsoring me for the marathon.

Steve is in the middle (the one without a number on the front of his shirt) and I am in the back right (with number 30 on) and the main man Lucas is upfront with the ball.