Man City Fan: I Do Not Want To Die

Manchester City fan, Carl Tilson is hoping you will support him.

Carl writes...

Pride in Battle

I was born in Manchester, England into a family with values not to dissimilar to my Granddad, the professional footballer from the 1930's... The great Fred Tilson. Oh by the way, Fred played for Manchester City FC and represented his country, England.

Hopes of carrying on the family name in the world of football were dashed as the TILSON family received the shocking news that I (who might have grown up and played for City) was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,a muscle wasting condition which affects every muscle in the body. The disease will eventually affect my heart and that will lead to heart failure, resulting in my early death. Suffers usually live until their late teens, early 20's.

I am 22-years-old, which means I am living past expectation. I am suffering from life threatening issues as my muscles are weak. I have problem breathing (I have to use a ventilator), eating a meal (I can no longer eat as my throat is not strong enough to consume a safety passage to my stomach, therefore I am fed through a tube)and another daily problem is my balance.

Despite all this I live life to the best of my ability. My very nature allows me to be positive, plus I am determined to fight for my life. I do not want to die.

Action Duchenne

History

I began my role in the Charity Action Duchenne after I became quite poorly and subsequently admitted into hospital. I was enjoying college and socialising with my peers until I was taken ill. I decided, because my condition has taken away my freedom I want to get my 'vengeance' against the illness, fighting back, not just for myself but for the whole Duchenne community

Future

I decided to use my time, or what is remaining to raise more awareness as this illness hardly gets mentioned, plus it's the most evil disease in the world today. It destroys lives.

I need your help

Pride of Britain 2009

The Pride of Britain awards ceremony occurs annually. It's where people are nominated for doing things that make a difference to other people's lives and as a mark of respect, they honour the individuals concerned.

I have a chance to create a legacy, therefore my aim and ambition is to achieve an award as part of 'The Pride of Britain 2009'.

My intention is, and if I won, I would dedicating the achievement to all those boys who have paved the way and tragically lost their lives!

I would like to make a statement on a much bigger stage in front of the audience at the said ceremony, as the people attending will be full of famous celebrities and VIP's.

The award winner gets the opportunity to choose any celeb / famous figure to present them with their award, and for me there is no better person I can think of than the lovely former fitness model and seven times ladies World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion, Trish Stratus.

Please nominate Carl 'Action' Tilson for Pride of Britain 2009

Pleae make a difference

Nomination Form

Email: nominate@prideofbritain.com

Please check www.prideofbritain.com for more info.

My Contact: actiontilson@hotmail.co.uk (You may need my details) Email me!

All nominations must be received by Friday August 8th, 2009. Please inform the panel why you believe Carl deserves an award.

Charity work

I tirelessly works for Action Duchenne and have done so for approximately three years. It's my passion. I have done numerous charity work throughout, including public speaking at the Rotary Club, speaking at conferences and lobbying the government with the charity. My other achievement was when I handed a petition into number 10 Downing Street. I have also helped with various fundraising events including a luncheon at Manchester City Football Club, kindly arranged by honorary president, Tudor Thomas. The event raised over £30,000 for research.

Please nominate me

Remember it's not my award, its dedicated to the boys who have paved the way and tragically lost their life to Duchenne Muscuar Dystrophy!. I want to give those boys retribution... defeating this monster!

Together, we can move mountains.

Thank for you for your support.

Carl 'Action' Tilson

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