Story
On Friday 8th and Saturday 9th of May three BNP Paribas UK colleagues will be undertaking the Duchenne Dash in aid of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Richard Clarke, Clive Kentish and Paul Scully will be cycling from London to Paris in just 24 hours to raise vital donations to help Duchenne UK find effective treatments for DMD. Richard, is a veteran of the Dash having ridden every edition since 2017 and is a Ride Captain, setting the pace and helping the charity riders to complete this challenging event. Paul and Clive are first time riders in the Dash persuaded to the cause by Richard’s passion and dedication and both novices when it comes to distance cycling and the wearing of Lycra.
Their journey will start at the Herne Hill Velodrome, South East London, pedalling 100km down the country to Newhaven and boarding the overnight ferry to Dieppe. After 5 hours sleep on the ferry floor they will get back on the saddle, cycling 200km through French countryside and towns to Paris. After 300km of total cycling in 24 hours they will arrive at the finish line under the Eiffel Tower. Along with a small band of other dedicated Ride Captains, Richard will then turn his bike around in Paris and ride the whole 300km route again in reverse. Paul and Clive will be gratefully taking the Sunday Eurostar back to London!
And why would they do all this?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
DMD is a progressive condition diagnosed in childhood. It causes all the muscles in the body to gradually weaken. It is the most common and severe form of muscular dystrophy. It is typically diagnosed in childhood between the age of three and six. There is currently no cure for Duchenne, but there is hope.
Duchenne UK
Duchenne UK was founded by two mothers whose sons were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2011 and is at the forefront of advancing treatments and care for everyone affected by the disease.. Thanks to the army of healthcare professionals, scientists, drug developers and families who have joined them in their fight to end Duchenne, they have achieved so much than they ever imagined 14 years ago. Duchenne UK has brought light to a once dark and lonely landscape building a clinical trial network, achieving new drug approvals, vastly improving care, and developing pioneering tech to help disability.
The Duchenne Dash
The Duchenne Dash is Duchenne UK's annual signature VIP cycling event which over the past 14 years has raised more than £9 million for DMD research. It is the cornerstone of the funding that has fuelled Duchenne UK’s remarkable achievements.
The link where you can contribute to this amazing and important cause is here: Richard, Clive & Paul's fundraiser for Duchenne UK is fundraising for Duchenne UK.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/bnpp-3
You can find more information on DMD, Duchenne UK and the Dash here:
Home | Duchenne UK
Anyone interested in joining the effort to end Duchenne and wants to participate in the Duchenne Dash 2027 to expand the BNP Paribas Dream Team, can reach out to anyone of us for more information.
With sincere gratitude