TV star Jake Quickenden laces up to help baby

Jake Quickenden was among 37 people walking to fundraise for Lottie Mears and Charlie Lawrence's daughter, Celine

TV star Jake Quickenden is taking part in a 100km (62 mile) walk to help a baby who was born weighing less than a bag of sugar.

He is walking alongside his friend Charlie Lawrence, whose daughter, Celine, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called myotonic dystrophy when she was a month old.

A total of 37 people started the 24-hour walk from Colchester Town Hall to Trafalgar Square in central London on Thursday morning.

Mr Lawrence and his partner, Lottie Mears, started the "Save CC" campaign with the hope of raising £200,000 to fund potentially life-changing treatment for Celine.

Lottie Mears and Charlie Lawrence, from Colchester, welcomed their first daughter, Celine, in December 2023

More walkers will join the rest of the team along the route, and Celine will be carried on the trip for the last part.

Miss Mears, 36, said the support the family had received had been "really overwhelming".

Mr Lawrence, 35, added: "I know it sounds like a lot, but Celine spent six months in hospital, so 24 hours to do a long walk is nothing."

"Five months ago, we didn't think she was going to make it out of hospital and now she's got half a chance, so we're all taking it in our stride to give her a good chance at life."

Ethan Leroy and Luke Hughes were among the 37 people taking on the 100km (62 mile) challenge

The fundraising event was organised by Ethan Leroy, a friend of the couple, who said he was not deterred by the warm weather in Colchester on Thursday morning.

"I love it," the 34-year-old said at the start line on Colchester High Street. "I'd rather the sunshine than the rain."

Luke Hughes, 36, continued: "Everyone in Colchester has come together."

What is myotonic dystrophy?

Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic condition which leads to progressive muscle weakening.

Symptoms can start at any age but they are generally more severe in children.

There is currently no cure.

Miss Mears and Mr Lawrence have been told their daughter will never have a normally functioning immune system.

Nearly £38,000 has been donated towards the cost of Celine's treatment so far. Her parents hope she will be able to receive stem cell therapy to slow the weakening of her muscles.