In 2006, Julian and Sharyn Thompson found out that their son James has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Duchenne). Duchenne is an insidious gender-linked muscle-wasting disease that leaves little boys (and in some cases girls) struggling to walk before they make their teenage years. As there is no cure, Duchenne results in premature death by late teens/early adulthood in 100% of cases. Even though it is a genetic disease, in up to 40% of cases there is no family history and the disease arises by way of a spontaneous mutation at conception.

This means ALL CHILDREN conceived are at risk of being born with Duchenne.

Through James Thompson’s inspiration the Tour Duchenne - DeJames has raised over $5 million going towards research and respite care in the Duchenne community. Funds raised have gone to research at both the Institute of Neuro-muscular Research in Sydney and the National Muscular Dystrophy research Centre in Melbourne. Also respite funding was given to muscular dystrophy associations in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia to help support the work that they do. As well as raising valuable funds the Tour Duchenne - DeJames has created awareness nationally for the Duchenne community and helped raised the profile of this insidious disease.

The Tour Duchenne - DeJames is continuing to assist all physically disability families throughout Australia by developing a fully serviced respite home "James House" to be built in Mudgee NSW. The first of a network of James House homes throughout Australia

With 8 successful Tour Duchenne - DeJames Bike rides being held, we are excited to continue our journey and ride Bathurst to Sydney on Mountain Bikes in March 2024

The Tour DeJames has a simple mission: To develop and manage James House respite homes nationally.

Tour DeJames is the way in which we achieve this vision!