A triathlon in aid of a seriously ill North Herts schoolboy has raised more than £15,000 to support his increasing needs at home, with donations still coming in. 

William Eames, an 11-year-old from Codicote, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) - an incurable muscle-wasting disease which means he is dependent on a wheelchair. 

Family friend Vikki Francis, who organised the event, with William.Family friend Vikki Francis, who organised the event, with William. (Image: Vikki Francis)

There is no cure for the progressive condition, which will eventually attack William’s heart and seriously shorten his life. Life expectancy for people with DMD is just 20 to 30 years.

On Sunday, 60 people from Codicote took part in a triathlon to raise much-needed money to fund additional changes to William’s home.

Dozens of others joined a fun run in the village on the same day, supported by people selling cakes and other refreshments.

They completed the swimming part of the challenge at Hatfield Swim Centre.They completed the swimming part of the challenge at Hatfield Swim Centre. (Image: Lee Brown)

Organiser Vikki Francis, a close friend of William’s family, said: "Lots of people who joined us on Sunday had never tried a challenge like this before, and I’m so proud of all of them. We must be the fittest village in North Herts now!

"It got tough, particularly in the hot weather later in the day, but everyone was determined to do their best in support of William and his family. 

"It was a huge village effort, and it’s brilliant that we were able to smash our target."

Cycling through Codicote.Cycling through Codicote. (Image: Lee Brown)

William’s parents, Matt and Jo, cycled, swam and ran along with everyone else, while younger sister Phoebe joined the fun run with friends from school.

William with his dad MattWilliam with his dad Matt (Image: Lee Brown)

Matt said: "Our William is a boy who often has a smile on his face, despite everything he has to deal with, but there are lots of dark times too.

"Seeing so many people come together to help us give him the best life we can gives us a real lift and we’re so grateful to everyone who got involved."

William’s mum Jo - and dad Matt - cycled, swam and ran along with everyone else.William’s mum Jo - and dad Matt - cycled, swam and ran along with everyone else. (Image: Lee Brown)

You can still make a donation at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/triathlonforwilliam2.

To learn more about William, visit the Facebook page facebook.com/DefendingWilliamagainstDuchenne.

For more information about Duchenne and support for affected families, visit duchenneuk.org.