‘CyclingforBryan’ Smash £20k for Motor Neurone Disease
The magnificent team of 8 who braved the gruelling John O’Groats to Lands Ends challenge to raise valuable funds to fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND), smashed all targets – drumming up over £25,000! And the fundraising did not stop there… On Saturday 30th May 2015 a charity auction ball was held at the International Centre in Telford to generate even more money for the MND charity.
The cycling challenge was inspired by Bryan Challenor, a local and well known figure in the farming sector, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2014. The news was devastating, and so his family with the support of close friends decided to face the illness head on and started the ‘CyclingforBryan’ campaign.
The first hurdle was the minor detail of travelling more than 1,000 miles by bicycle – from the top of Scotland to the tip of England. An inspirational and ferocious team of 8 friends volunteered for the challenge – and they would not be defeated! Setting off on Saturday 2nd May, the team crossed the finish line in high spirits 10 days later, on the 12th May. With aches and pains, dehydration and spouts of sickness, the team struggled through torrential windy weather and gruelling gradient to exceed all expectations by smashing their £20k target for the MND charity.
Marion Challenor, Bryan’s wife commented; “The support and commitment from everyone to this challenge has been overwhelming. We hope that one day there will be a cure for this distressing disease. At the moment there isn’t any Government funding to support MND, the money has to come from voluntary donations. Our aim is that with the funds raised from campaigns such as ‘CyclingforBryan’ doctors will know why you get this disease and find a cure for it. Thank you to all our fantastic sponsors and to every single person who has donated – your support means the world to us all.”
Catherine Evans, Bryan’s daughter concluded; “The cycling challenge has been an absolute triumph and our whole family is extremely proud of every single rider. We cannot thank every supporter enough for the outstanding cheer and spirit that they provided as the team of 8 struggled through the challenge.”
