Stuart Wickison, Eastbourne

I was born on the 20th of july 1988 in Royal Tunbridge Wells and have lived in Heathfield, East Sussex most of my life. I was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 1991. I went to my local primary and secondary school, leaving with 9 GCSEs. I then studied for 2 A Levels at Treloar College in Hampshire where I boarded for 3 years. Finally I achieved a merit in Art Foundation at Farnham, Surrey.

I grew up with mum, dad and my younger sister but now live independently with carers. I am a musician: I used to play the piano but now compose using state-of-the-art computer software. Having studied Art and Design, I have developed a keen interest in geographic art, imaginary world, installation, photography and architecture.

Carl Tilson, Manchester

Well I’m young man trying to live life to the fullest, despite living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy that really puts limitations on things in life... sometimes can be quite challenging at the least, however I try to think positive and hope for the best!

I thrive on motivation, determination and positivity – that’s my three main qualities that I rely on through life, it’s what you need to be able to fight this horrifying condition.

I'm a confident, determined, understanding lad with a witty good sense of humour!
People say I’m a quite knowledgeable, intelligent so I’m perfectly healthy in my mind it’s just my body that's ill and not functioning properly...

I’m a sensitive and creative person, I keep an honest opinion on things... always try to keep things in the interest of fairness while getting my point across...

I have quite an eye for creative design... I like tribal patterns and designs. Things that give you an insight to somebody’s personality! I like how the colour lime green looks when put in front of black as it looks quite impactful and catchy on the eyes!

Interests I have are football, that being Manchester City as my granddad played for them in his football playing career... Also I’m quite interested in professional Wrestling. I enjoy music (mostly rock), I like talking to different people and keeping occupied!

Carl "Action" Tilson

Active Campaigner/Living with DMD, Genius Project Chairman
Mobile: 07956980204, E-mail: actiontilson@hotmail.co.uk

Chris Winstanley, Liverpool

My name is Chris Winstanley 26 from formby near Liverpool, I suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is a degenerative muscle weakness which effects my whole body but I try not to let it get to me.

I like to have hobbies and interests, I enjoy going to watch my beloved liverpool play, I enjoy talking to my friends on facebook. I'm quite a film buff I enjoy horror, action movies, sci fi and comedy. I go to the cinima pub and eating out. PS now in training as ace photographer!

Craig Everest, Chingford Essex

Craig Everest, 24, my hobbies include web design,computers,graphic design, do web work for local charity who recycle furnature www.2ndgen.co.uk. I also enjoy cooking programmes and just started cooking with my carer. Also movies, going to the cinema etc. My carer is helping me, Nicke Meiser 32.

Luke Townsend, Longfield Kent

My Name's Luke Townsend, I'm 19 Years Old (20 in June) & I Live At Home With My Mum, Dad & Sister.

I Enjoy Going to The Cinema, Shopping, Listening To Music, Going To Concerts, Singing & Graphic/Web Design.

Jonathan Stringer, Farnham

I'm 21 years old and I am affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which basically means that my muscles are very weak and so I have to use a powered chair to get around. Despite these difficulties, I try to live life to the full, and have done at the residential college that I have stayed at for the past 4 years. I am now studying for a degree in IT at the University Of Hertfordshire, and am enjoying the "student" life.

I am a happy and good natured guy, who likes nothing more than to have a good time with my mates. I get on with most people, and am always willing to listen to anyone.

John Mathieson, Arbroath

My name is John Mathieson. I was born on the 15th November 1990. I am 2nd oldest brother in the Mathieson family. I live in Arbroath with my 2 brothers and sister. Like Daniel I also attend the Arbroath Angus College and this will be my 2nd year there. I am studying computing graphics animation and video. I am really enjoying the course as it allows me to develop my skills in this subject further. In my spare time I enjoy playing the playstation and I like watching wrestling with my brothers with my favourite being “Triple H”. I also enjoy building models created from lego design.

James Mathieson, Arbroath

My name is James Mathieson and I am the youngest of the 3 Mathieson Brothers. I am 16 years old and live with my 2 older brothers and my older sister Claire. I will starting my first year at Arbroath Angus College this year and will be studying the same course as Daniel, introduction to interactive computing. In my spare time I enjoy watching wrestling with my brothers with the “Undertaker” being my favourite wrestler. I also enjoy playing the playstation and collecting Bionacle characters. I like watching movies as well preferably action movies like Iron Man.    

Daniel Mathieson, Arbroath

My Name is Daniel Mathieson. I was born on the 4th November 1989 in Dundee. I have 2 younger brothers John and James who also have Duchenne. I also have a younger sister, Claire, who helps me with my contribution to the Life Thru A Lens project. I presently live in Abroath and have done for the past 10 years. I am presently attending the Arbroath Angus College and this year will be my 3rd year there. I am studying introduction to interactive computing. In my spare time I enjoy computers, playing the playstation and watching wrestling (WWE) with my favourite wrestler being John Cena.  I collect Star Wars and Lord of the Rings figurines and enjoy watching the movies.