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On Saturday 2 July 2011, the Reading & West Berkshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association held a sponsored cycling challenge in Palmer Park, Reading.  The event was in memory of Brian Haines and to raise funds for the branch.  All funds raised will be used directly to support people living with MND.

 

Brian had a real passion for cycling and his inspirational attitude raised MND awareness when he won The Reading Disabled Sports Personality of the Year Award just ten days before losing his battle with MND in January 2011.

 

Louise attends the same weekly cycling sessions at Palmer Park as Brian used to attend, and Tony and Frazier got involved for their pure love of cycling, as well as trying to raise as much money as possible for people living with MND.

 

Our mixed team of people living with MND or MS and able bodied supporters cycled around Palmer Park’s velodrome and athletics tracks.  We had 23 riders taking up the challenge and aimed to cover at least 200 miles in 2 hours, with the fittest riders doing more laps, and disabled and less fit riders doing less. And boy, did we smash our target!!  In the end we did 290 miles in less than two hours, with many doing more that the laps they anticipated. The weather was perfect, we had loads of support, and it was a great afternoon! 

 

In case you don’t know, Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.  This leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing (things we normally take for granted).  50% of people with MND die within 2-3 years and there is no known cure.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.  Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails.  Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.  So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

So please dig deep and donate now!  In fact, anything you can reasonably afford would be much appreciated - it's not too late!! J.

 

Thanks so much

Louise, Tony and Frazier x