On Saturday 2^nd July the Reading & West Berks branch of the MND Association held a sponsored cycling challenge in Palmer Park, Reading. This 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.

Our mixed team of people living with MND and able bodied supporters of all ages cycled around Palmer Park’s Velodrome and athletics tracks. Five disabled riders rode adapted trikes. Our team of 23 riders covered 290 miles in under 2 hours.

 

  Motor Neurone Disease (MND) affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord. As they die off, messages to muscles are lost, causing the muscles to weaken and waste. In most cases it is rapidly progressive affecting the ability to do things we normally take for granted (e.g. walk, talk, dress, write, eat, swallow and eventually breathe). 50% of people with MND die within 2-3 years and there is no known cure.

 

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 (see photo) just ten days before losing his battle with MND in January. Even after Brian was no longer able to ride any of his collection of nine bikes, he joined CTC’s disabled cycling group and his joy was there for all to see (see photo) when he was able to ride again using specially adapted adult trikes around Palmer Park.



As MND is so rapidly progressive, patients need vital equipment and restbite rapidly. This is why our funds are so valueable so we can help improve their quality of life. I have been relatively very lucky to have survived with it for 9 years since receiving my diagnosis (as only 10% survive beyond 10 years). I have lost many friends from MND in that time including Brian, who was extremely popular, but I still believe in being positive.

Colin Moss

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