A man is keeping a final promise made to his father, with a 1000-mile fundraising bike ride for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Nathan Barnard, 41, from Chandlers Ford in Hampshire, is going the distance on a road bike fixed to a turbo trainer, using Zwift and Strava to record the distance travelled.
His father Bob was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy aged 38. He died this July, aged 67.
Nathan said: “In our last conversation I told him I would fundraise to support research into cures for muscle-wasting conditions in his memory. I believe it is a very worthy cause, which does not always get the exposure it deserves.”
He has completed 716 miles so far. He plans to do the final 50 miles in his front garden on Sunday 26 September, where a cake stall will also be running, to attract more donations.
He said: “As my Dad only passed away on 30th July, this challenge has given me a good focus and it will also help me process the grief.
“I am pleased to have received so much support from friends and family. I have already raised over my target amount and thetotal amount currently stands at £1654. I am really pleased to have been able to raise so much for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
“I am sure my Dad would be chuffed to bits (although also lecturing me on trying to do too much and risk injuring myself.”
Nathan is a stores and supplies manager as well as being an On-call Firefighter for Hampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue Service.
“I try to keep myself reasonably fit so the main challenge for me is finding time to get the miles in. I am fitting this in around full-time work and other normal family life, which means lots of early starts and evening cycle-rides.”
Louise Moffat, MDUK regional manager for London, South East and East England said: “This is an incredible challenge that Nathan has taken on in memory of his father. It is lovely to see the support his family and friends have shown which is a testament to the man Bob was. The incredible amount he has raised will help to fight muscle-wasting conditions, like Bob’s, by funding research and providing vital help and support for the 70,000 people in the UK living with a muscle-wasting condition.”
You can read more and support Nathan here
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