Raising funds for kids with muscular dystrophy- research for a cure
2 June 2025Final check in,
I did the work, over 6,000km in training, but either it wasn’t enough or I’m too old for this. It was an epic physical and mental challenge for me.
The Duchenne Dash is a 300km ride in 24hrs from London to Paris via Newhaven and Dieppe. Its objective is to raise money to fund research ( for a cure)and help for those children with muscular dystrophy. Collectively riders and their support raised over 600,000 pounds this year with our group raising over 60,000 pounds.
The first 100km was exhausting, the hills were longer and higher than I had hoped for, the weather was great, the objectivity of cyclists and care for each other reinstalled faith in human nature, and the shared experience helped put that extra push in our pedals when needed. Following a shower and dinner we got on the ferry at Newhaven about 11pm with the first 100km done.
We were called at 4amto prepare to disembark and prepare to ride.
The sensation of riding together in our Duchenne kit to the Champs Elysees, with the roads all closed off for us, to the welcoming cheers from the French was mind blowing. Their welcome, the tolling of the bells from a cathedral nearby and the relief of having achieved the 300km ride by many who, like me, are casual riders, is a life memory and I am grateful to Duchenne for having me ride and for my son for inviting me to be part of his team.
Thanks for your support – it’s time to recover.