Charity Focus: Ride The Bowral Classic And Help Fight Duchenne

Julian Thompson (pictured above with son James) is founder and CEO of the Fight Duchenne Foundation, a charity organisation solely focused on raising awareness and financing critical support into Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). 

A keen cyclists and father of four wonderful children, Julian’s connection with Duchenne is a personal one. His son James was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2006. Founder of the annual Tour Duchenne charity cycling events, Julian has helped raise more than $3 million through 7 separate Tour Duchenne rides along with countless other charity events. 

Julian Thompson with his son James, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy  in 2006.

With Fight Duchenne a valued charity partner of the Bowral Classic, we recently caught up with Julian to find out more about his organisation and how we can all help Fight Duchenne. Julian started by explaining the disease which, tragically, is the biggest genetic killer of young men in our society.

Now 13yo, James Thompson with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott – a staunch advocate for Fight Duchenne.

“Duchenne is an aggressive form of muscular dystrophy,” said Julian. “It’s a muscle-wasting disease and currently incurable. Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects 1 in every 3500 male births, and a lesser number in females,” he said. 

With a deeply personal connection to Duchenne, Julian explained how he and his wife first became aware of their son James’s diagnosis.

“We found out on Father’s Day 2016 when living in Singapore,” he said.

“I was working there in finance. As a toddler James would roll instead of crawl. He fell over a lot and hit his head. We took him to our GP and he picked it in one. James went on to have further tests and was confirmed to have Duchenne.”

‘Everything I Could To Save His Life’

Julian said his life was turned upside down that day, Father’s day 2006. 

“I promised him at that moment I would do everything I could to save his life,” said Julian.

The first thing Julian did was sign up for a charity bike ride in Cambodia. He personally went on to raise over $300,000 for muscular dystrophy research. Next followed a series of charity rides in Australia – over several years riders raised more than $3 million and cycled tens of thousands of kilometres. 

Join Team Duchenne At The Bowral Classic

Julian Thompson (left) with son James and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott during a Tour Duchenne charity ride.

“My new focus – particularly with the Bowral Classic – is to continue the Tour Duchenne legacy,” Julian continued.

“We are raising awareness and funds via our Bowral Classic team. The goal is 100 riders – I’ve got 25 or 30 at present. We are asking each rider who partners with us to invite a friend – I wont rest until we have at least 100 riders on our team.”

Keen to assist Julian and raise critically needed funds for Duchenne? The best way to get involved is to select ‘Fight Duchenne’ when signing up for the Bowral Classic via the Go Fund Raise page.

“To join our team is a commitment to raise $1000 for the cause,” said Julian.

“Team riders will receive a jersey along with support, encouragement and celebration at our tent after the event. This is something we are really looking forward to – and also thrilled to have the opportunity to raise funds for Duchenne while we’re at it.”

For further details contact Julian on 0450 136 303. You can also visit www.fightduchenne.org.au or the Fight Duchenne Foundation Facebook page .