What?
On 26th December (Boxing Day) 2021 friends Tim Burdon, Carolyn Pfalzgraf and Oliver Wright completed a Virtual Everesting. They cycled the height of Everest (8848m) using the indoor cycling app Zwift. It was one of the toughest things any of them had done on a bike, but it was all for an incredible cause.

Why?
If you have ever met someone living with Motor Neurone Disease you will know the devestation it brings to people and their families. Tim says "I am moved and humbled by the experience of friends of mine living with MND. There doesn't feel like much I can do, so I want to do this. There is no cure for MND...yet. A cure is not impossible, but it will only come if research is funded." The Motor Neurone Disease Association is funding vital research that will one day bring an end to this disease, let's make that day happen soon. They also provide support for the 1000s of families in the UK. I'm proud to support them.

How you can help
Donations are still very welcome! The money you give will be used my MNDA to support families affected by MND, and fund research into finding a cure.

Carolyn's Story
"When I first heard about the idea of doing a virtual Everest ride, I thought  it sounded absolutely terrible and was something I’d never want to do. Then Tim had the idea of doing one for MNDA and while it didn’t change my feelings about it being slightly crazy, knew I had to join in. My father in law, David, passed away from MND in June this year after a 2 year battle with this horrendous disease. Especially towards the end, just getting through each day was like doing a virtual Everest for him and he never gave up.

"Cycling is something special for David and me. When his condition
started to decline rapidly, my husband and I flew over to the UK every
few weeks to care for him. He wanted to make sure I still felt at home
and could ride my bike while we were there, so he very generously bought me a smart trainer to keep his house. He was always so excited about my athletic endeavors, indoors and outdoors - always wanting to see the map of where I’d just cycled or wanting to know the details of my latest Zwift race. MNDA gave us a set of pedals that he could use while sitting in a chair and we practiced this together to keep his legs as mobile as possible. When he needed help to turn the pedals, I would kneel on the floor and we’d pedal together, always looking to set a new record number of revolutions.

"I always think about him when I’m cycling and feel like quitting.
Stopping is a choice for me, and it wasn’t for him. One amazing thing
about David was how he always wanted to help others and give back, and that’s another reason why he’s my inspiration to do this. MNDA gave us a lot of support in caring for David throughout the course of his disease, so I know that every penny raised will have a direct impact on the lives of MND patients and their families."