This will be the third consecutive year that Sid Keyte, 54, from Salisbury – aka the ‘Running Phone Box’ – is running and fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity that is close to his heart. “It was a real shock to all of us when we first found out Robin had myotonic dystrophy,” said Sid. “When it dawned on me what the condition meant for my brother, I wanted to do something to help increase awareness. To help people understand more about muscle wasting conditions.”
Robin was diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy, a rare muscle wasting condition, in 2003 when he was in his early 30s.
“He was experiencing balance issues, kept falling over and was struggling to hold a coffee cup,” explains Sid. “Robin’s condition has got a lot worse over the last five or six years as his muscles have got weaker. He has needed to use his mobility scooter more and is expected to be in a wheelchair soon. But he never complains or feels sorry for himself. He’s the most generous, kind person, always thinking of others.
“Robin lives on the Isle of Wight with his amazingly supportive wife Jenny, who is his full-time carer, and really focuses on living the best life he can. Like going sailing, which is something he’s always enjoyed and is still possible thanks to Cowes Sailability Club. We were always close growing up, but our bond has got stronger over the years and while he thinks I’m a bit mad running around as a phone box, he’s happy that I’m doing something to help others who are living with a condition like his.”
The Phone Box Sid runs in is made of wood and cardboard and weighs 15kg. “I have a love/hate relationship with my outfit,” said Sid. “Training is quite challenging, and I have had to learn how to run like a penguin inside my box without the use of my arms. I definitely confuse people and animals when I’m out training! But it’s a great conversation starter and that is important. The phone box attracts attention and when people ask me about it, it allows me to tell them about Robin and why I’m fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Having these conversations and increasing awareness is just as important to me as raising money.
“I know there probably won’t be a cure that will benefit Robin, but I want to do something to help others like him in the future. Donations and fundraising help Muscular Dystrophy UK so that they can continue to fund research projects as well as offering support to people living with muscle wasting conditions.
“Robin teaches me, and all of us, to live life to the full and be kind to others. If he can remain so positive despite the daily challenges he faces, then I can run as a phone box for a few miles!”
In addition to regular fundraising for this year’s London Marathon, Sid’s phone box has also been sponsored by BluKonzept Consulting, Gieves & Hawkes, Levy Real Estate and wearetwo.com.
Support Sid’s fundraising at www.justgiving.com/page/sid-keyte-1728302625514
Find out more about Muscular Dystrophy UK at musculardystrophyuk.org