Graham met with teenagers living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a deteriorative muscle wasting condition for afternoon tea in Parliament.
Graham said: “It was inspiring to listen to these young people speaking about their aspirations for the future and the challenges they think they will face in trying to achieve them.
“The young people are part of Action Duchenne’s Lottery-funded Transition to Adulthood Programme called ‘Takin’ Charge’ which is helping those with Duchenne think about the future and develop important skills through an exciting programme involving workshops and an online e-portfolio. The group have been learning new skills such as martial arts and film animation as well as developing their ability to use IT and social media.
“Until recently, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy has denied all young people living with it the chance to reach adulthood and the average age of death was late teens. However, now with the correct care and medical management through the use of steroids, cardiac management, spinal surgery and night time ventilation, these young people are living into their late twenties, thirties and beyond.
“I was so pleased to meet with these young people and listen to their hopes as well as how their condition affects their day to day lives.”