A woman from Clitheroe who is taking part in a clinical trial for her muscle condition is hosting a "Bake a Difference" fundraiser.

Lauren Howorth, 25, is running the charity bake sale complete with sweet treats, music from a local band, Duckworth and Duprez, and a raffle on Wednesday, November 8 in aid of Muscular Dystrophy UK.

This is a cause close to her heart because Lauren has a progressive neuromuscular condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which causes muscle weakness and loss of movement.

Lauren said: “I have been working tirelessly to make this a great evening for everyone.

"There’ll be live music from Duckworth and Duprez and a raffle with lots of goodies, including a voucher to a local salon.

“People from the community and friends and family are donating freshly baked treats and I will be baking my own (and buying some shop bought bits).

“I was sent a pack from the charity that contained everything I needed, such as recipes, collection boxes and printable bunting to decorate with.”

The event will take place from 4pm to 7pm at Gisburn Festival Hall, 5 Burnley Road, Clitheroe, BB7 4ET.

She says any funds raised at the events will help support the charity.  

Lauren added: “I am currently partaking in a clinical trial for a treatment for SMA called Risdiplam and without the fundraising and research into treatments that Muscular Dystrophy UK provide, I would not be able to do this.

“It would be fantastic to raise funds to provide treatments and research for other muscle wasting and weakening conditions.”

She has an even closer connection to the charity because she recently joined the charity, as part of the Information, Helpline and Advocacy team.

Lauren added: “The event does not need to be huge, and the cakes do not need to be freshly made. Just remember you’re doing your bit by raising funds and awareness of the great work Muscular Dystrophy UK does, which is a brilliant achievement in itself.”

The Bake a Difference campaign began after supporter Sammy de Laszlo, from Hampshire, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2012, organised a bake sale with his family to help raise awareness of his condition.

Sammy, now 15, is on a mission to raise thousands and the charity is calling on others to "Bake a Difference".

The official Bake a Difference day is Thursday, November 9 so there's still have time to get involved or support Lauren, who is hosting hers a day earlier.

Susanne Driffield, regional development manager (North England and East Midlands), said: “Whether you’re a star baker or a shop-bought faker, every pound raised will make a difference for those living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

“Thanks to Lauren and her network for signing up to this year’s Bake a Difference.

"You can join us and hold a cake sale at home or a bake off at work and invite your friends, family and colleagues to sample the delicious treats and make a donation.”

To support Lauren you can donate to https://musculardystrophyuk.org/lauren-howorth