Luke Hussey, who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and his friend Felix Rich, are organising a charity Fifa tournament specifically for people with muscle-wasting conditions.
Two students from the University of Kent are hosting an in-person Fifa tournament specifically for people with muscle-wasting conditions.
Luke Hussey, who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, is organising the event with his friend Felix Rich. It will take place online Saturday 30 April. Funds raised from the event will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Luke, 21, said: “I like to play video games myself and I know that a number of disabled people also play video games. Also, when I watch esports tournaments for games such as Fifa, there are few players with muscle-wasting conditions taking part, so I wanted to create a tournament where those people could play against each other.”
Luke lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic condition that primarily affects males, but, in rare cases, can also affect females. Duchenne causes the muscles in the body to become weak and damaged over time, and is eventually fatal. Luke said: “Although it obviously impacts my day-to-day life, I always like to remain positive and try not to let it limit me from achieving my ambitions and goals.”
Luke and Felix study sports management at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Kent and are organising this event as part of their final year degree assignment. The event is being sponsored by the Canterbury branch of Nicholas Humphreys Estate Agents.
The pair are expecting a minimum turnout of 32 people for the main tournament. Luke added: “When planning and organising the event we have received support from everybody we have been in contact with.”
The event will raise essential funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Luke explained: “The charity helps to make me feel supported and it’s reassuring to know that there are people out there who are always willing to help. I am aware of the good work that Muscular Dystrophy does as my parents ran a local branch (the Medway branch) for a few years and raised over £75,000. I know that what the charity do is very important for raising awareness, providing support, grants towards equipment and helping with research efforts to name a few.”
Julia Smith, Senior Manager, Regional Development, at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “This is a brilliant, inclusive fundraising idea. We appreciate that Luke and Felix are putting a lot of time and effort into organising the event that will be enjoyed by many. We’re so thankful to them both for championing our cause and are pleased to hear that Luke has been supported by our charity, and that his family played an integral part in our story. The money raised will help us continue our essential work for people with muscle-wasting conditions.”
Register, donate and enter the raffle using the following link: https://83987.aidaform.com/fifa-tournament
Follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/humphreys_md_fifa_tournament/
