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Duchenne drug petition attracts over 2,000 signatures

Tue, 20 Sep 2016

A petition set up to help a local boy needing treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been signed more than 2,000 times.

Seven-year-old Finley Hesketh is affected by the condition, but the Isle of Man Government don't fund a drug called Translarna, which could help him retain muscle strength.

The treatment is available on the NHS elsewhere in the British Isles, forcing the youngster's family to consider moving away from their home to access the drug.

The petition was started by Finley's father Clive Hesketh on Change.org with the aim of collecting 2,500 signatures, but had already attracted 2,213 by 8.30am - less than 24 hours after the petition was posted.

The signatures will be delivered to Chief Minister Allan Bell and Health Minister Howard Quayle as well as several other MHKs and charities in the hope the Government will change their mind over funding the medicine.

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