A heartbroken mum is facing the harsh reality that her son Jayden Skidmore, 11, is ageing in reverse due to a rare genetic disease. Jayden was diagnosed with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, a condition that weakens skeletal and heart muscles, at the tender age of five. Within two years of his diagnosis, he lost the ability to walk, a devastating blow for his family.
The average life expectancy for a child with Duchenne’s is 22 years, but his mum Jade Skidmore, 33, and stepdad, Sean Dudley, 35, fear that Jayden may not even reach 20. To make Jayden’s remaining time as special as possible, Sean is planning a “trip of a lifetime” to Florida, US, hoping to arrange a meeting with his hero, Dwayne The Rock Johnson. In June 2025, Sean will be taking on a challenging fundraising initiative involving rock climbing, swimming, and sprinting.
Jade recalls a normal pregnancy with Jayden and was blindsided when he started experiencing motor skill difficulties between the ages of three and five. Following a blood test that revealed high creatine levels, Jayden was clinically diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Despite the difficult journey, Jade confessed that she initially blamed herself for unknowingly passing on the condition to her son.
Jayden now relies on daily steroids and heart medication to manage his muscle weakness and cardiovascular issues. Doctors have estimated that he may have around 10 years left to live, with potential severe heart complications as he ages. Despite the challenges, Sean is determined to fulfil Jayden’s dreams, including a trip to swim with dolphins and meet The Rock in Florida, by raising funds through physical challenges.
The family is hoping to raise £7k to £10k for flights and additional funds for spending money for the Florida trip. Sean is undergoing intense physical training to fulfil this goal and create unforgettable memories for Jayden. Their biggest wish is for Jayden to meet his idol, The Rock, a dream that Sean is striving to make a reality before Jayden’s time runs out.