'He was my best friend and biggest supporter': Emily takes on Tough Mudder in memory of her brother

Joined by her fiancé Will White and eight friends, Emily took on the challenge in memory of her older brother Joe Slatter, who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and sadly died in 2021, aged 28.

The team took part in Tough Mudder in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK to raise funds and awareness to help others living with a muscle wasting condition.

Emily said: “A couple of years ago, I shared with some friends that it was one of my New Year’s resolutions to do a Tough Mudder.

"The idea grew from there and once the 10 of us had signed up, I knew it was a great opportunity to fundraise at the same time. I suggested to the group that we do it for Muscular Dystrophy UK in memory of my brother Joe and was really moved when they all agreed.”

Emily was joined at Tough Mudder Yorkshire fiancé Will and friends Yasmina Bugel, Daniel Eaton, Jake Fowler, Elliott Johnson, Georgia Leigh, Cameron Proctor, James Wood and Gina Wood.

Together, they’ve smashed their £1,000 fundraising target, raising £1,441.

“Joe was diagnosed at around 18 months old,” said Emily.

“We had a wonderful childhood, and I have so many great memories. Joe was intelligent and funny – he had a witty comment to make in every conversation and his eyes sparkled when he smiled.

"He loved everyone in his life fiercely, and I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to be his little sister.

“Growing up, I was aware that Joe was different to his peers in school, and therefore I was too because my brother had a disability.

"As far as I’m concerned, I grew up with an amazing older brother. He was hilarious, incredibly smart and loved films, TV and video games.

“I’d like to reassure any younger siblings out there who have been in a similar situation, that it still feels like he’s my big brother and I believe that will always be the case.

"I think Joe would be laughing at some of the tales we have from Tough Mudder. And I know he’d be proud of us for raising money to help other families living with Duchenne.

“We all miss him so much. He overcame so many illnesses and long admissions to hospital until one day his heart simply couldn't support him anymore.

"Joe was my best friend, my biggest supporter and a source of unconditional love. A part of me was broken forever when he died.”

Fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK meant a lot to Emily and the rest of the team as they turned their challenge into an opportunity to make a difference to other people like Joe living with a muscle wasting condition.

“I’d like to thank my amazing friends who took part in Tough Mudder Yorkshire with me,” Emily said.

“It took a huge effort from everyoneand we all leaned on each other to get through it. It means so much that they were with me and on board with raising money for a charity close to my heart.”

To support Emily and the team’s fundraising, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/joe-slatter