John Howard gets into bed for research

Actor John Howard could be excused for spending all day in bed after his Seven
Network medical drama All Saints was axed - but it's all for good cause.
As ambassador for the Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, Howard, will spend Sunday,
August 30 in bed to help raise money for medical research.
The genetic condition affects about one in 250 people, causing sufferers to lose
muscle mass and strength.
Howard, who plays Dr Frank Campion on All Saints, which wraps up filming in late
August just before the event, jokes he has been preparing for an all-day sleep-in
all his life.
"I think it's a perfect opportunity for an athlete like me," he told reporters at
the event's launch at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.
"You can tell from my statuesque figure ... I've been training hard for it all my life.
"I'm going to have a camera on time lapse to prove I'm in bed."
While happy to have a laugh about his role in the charity event, Howard said the
affects of the disease were dreadful and the day would also carry a serious message.
"Mitochondrial disease robs people of their energy," he siad.
"Mitochondria are the batteries of the body. (Sufferers) are tired and lethargic and
can't get out of bed. I'm staying in bed to help other people get out of bed."
Howard hopes to personally raise $25,000 and is encouraging others to get involved
by drumming up sponsors and organising pyjama parties for the day.
Other All Saints cast members have signed up to take part including Mirrah Foulkes.
Money raised from the first Stay in Bed Day will help the Mitochondrial Disease
Foundation research better diagnosis methods, treatments and cures.
Professor John Christodoulou, who is leading a clinical trial of vibration therapy
for children with the disease, said he hoped the day would raise awareness about the
relatively unknown disease.
He said it could strike people at any age and affects roughly 100,000 Australians.
"It can start from as early as the newborn period right through childhood,
adolescence and later in adulthood," he said.
Prof Christodoulou said most sufferers had a reduced quality of life because they
were weak and had a poor exercise ability.
"We're hopeful that vibration training may improve muscle function and bone
structure," he said.
"This technique uses souped-up bathroom scales ... with vibration plates that
wobble. It was first used by the Russians to enhance muscles strength in athletes."
People can sign up or sponsor John Howard or other celebrity participants by
visiting www.stayinbed.org.au and clicking on the sponsor a friend link.
Stay in Bed Day is on Sunday, August 30.