This May we are taking part in the NMC's Spaceathlon mission to raise funds for the centre, which we both attend for treatment due to having a rare form of muscular dystrophy known as centronuclear myopathy (you can learn more about how this affects us at
http://centronuclear.org.uk/theinformationpoint/pages/
share_a_story/adults/toni_mike/toni_and_mike.html).

The event has been inspired by British Astronaut Tim Peake and the effects of zero gravity during space flights, which causes astronauts to experience loss of muscle tissue and bone density. Did you know that after five months in orbit above the earth an astronaut would typically lose as much as 40% of muscle and 12% of bone mass? Therefore astronauts have to undergo daily rigorous exercise to try to help counteract the loss of bone and muscle fibre, together with other risks such threats such as shrinking legs due to fluid redistribution, deterioration of weight baring bonus and muscles and forgetting how to walk, that come with living in microgravity.

Exercise is important for people with muscle wasting conditions too. It is not at all easy for us but helps with: cardiorespiratory fitness, energy efficiency, weight management and muscle performance - exercising muscles maintains their flexibility, length and strength, helping maintain better function for longer. 

The aim of the Spaceathlon is for the team NMC spacecrew to reach the International Space station by completing the 460km distance. The challenge is based on a triathlon meaning we could walk using a cross trainer, cycle using pedals or assisted arm pedals, swim in the hydro pool or row using the rowing machine and if you could sponsor us even a couple of pounds to do this, we would be incredibly grateful. Your donation will inspire us to walk and pedal even harder and enable us to give something back, to the place that helps keep us  and so many others with muscular dystrophy going.