Bradford actress Natalie Anderson is stepping out for a canalside walk to raise funds for a charity helping sufferers of a rare muscle weakness condition.

Natalie, who plays Alicia Gallagher in Emmerdale, is doing the Hope Walk, a sponsored event in aid of the Myotubular Trust.

The actress got involved with the charity because a family friend, 12-year-old Harry Beck, of Idle, has the condition.

“It’s a little-known charity that funds research into myotubular myopathy, which causes profound muscle weakness and affects boys from birth,” said Natalie.

“As well as raising funds, we want the walk to bring this charity, and the condition, to wider attention.

“Harry and his family are amazing people and I want to do my best for them. I like to support charities that are close to home, and this one means a lot to me.”

Myotubular myopathy affects mostly boys at birth and sometimes a rarer form develops later in life, affecting both boys and girls. It affects the muscles that control breathing and swallowing and can be life-threatening.

Harry’s father, Gary Beck, said: “The charity is doing a lot of work researching the condition. I am doing the walk, along with my wife Jill, Harry, his sister Hayley and friends. We’d like as many people as possible to raise funds.”

The Hope Walk takes place on Sunday, May 8, at 10.30am. It covers about five miles, starting at the Railway Hotel, Rodley, and following the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath to Apperley Bridge then back again. For more details, contact Gary Beck on 07722 959446 or visit myotubulartrust.org

  • Read the full story in Thursday's T&A