A group of twenty Bedford cyclists, affectionately known as the Bedford Belly Busters, are gearing up for a big challenge next month when they cycle 160 miles to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The group of over 60 cyclists – lifelong friends for many years – is rising to the challenge in support of their fellow member, Simon Christian, who was recently diagnosed with the disease.
From 15 to 17 of November, the group will cycle 160 miles from Bedford to Headingly in Leeds to the 745 rugby game in memory of rugby league legend, Rob Burrow CBE, rugby union’s former Leicester and Gloucester player Ed Slater and Scottish rugby union legend Doddie Weir, all of whom suffered from MND.
The game, a hybrid of rugby league and rugby union rules, was an idea that Rob and Ed were developing before Rob died in June this year, aged just 41.
A stalwart member of the Belly Busters, Simon, aged 52, received the diagnosis earlier this month. MND is a progressive disease that affects the nerves and muscles, and currently, there is no cure.
The cycling group quickly united to put their passion for cycling to good use, rallying together to support Simon during this challenging time.
“I was overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from family, friends, and colleagues, which gives me and my family huge positivity as we face the challenges ahead,” said Simon.
“The MND Association has already been a great help in the early stages of my diagnosis. I joined the Bedford Belly Busters cycling group two years ago and have cycled most Saturday mornings, winter through summer.
“Along the way, I’ve established some great friendships, combining cycling with the consumption of Guinness and cooked breakfasts. It is an activity I will miss hugely.
“This group, along with other friends and family, are taking on a charity ride from Bedford to Leeds, where we’ll all meet to watch the rugby union/league cross-code 745 rugby game at Headingley, in aid of various MND charities.”
The primary aim of the bike ride is to raise awareness of MND and raise money for the MND Association and its research efforts.
In addition, Simon needs alterations to his home to assist with his changing mobility, so a portion of the funds raised will go directly to covering these costs.
The remaining money will be donated to a combination of Leeds Hospitals Charity (administering the Rob Burrows campaign), the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Gloucester Rugby Foundation (administering the 4Ed Ed Slater campaign), and the MND Association Bedfordshire Group, which has provided tremendous support to Simon and his family.
MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK at any one time, and there is currently no cure. Every mile cycled and every donation made will support research into treatments and care for people with MND.
Speaking about the challenge, Andrew Murphy, founder of the Bedford Belly Busters, said: “We wanted to show Simon how much we support him and his family after this life-changing experience.
“The group came up with the idea of cycling from Bedford to the 745-rugby game in Headingley – some 180 miles, with 2,500 meters of hills to climb.
“We’re doing this over two and a half days, in what will no doubt be the worst weather November can throw at us.
“The ethos of the club is that fellow riders go at the pace of the slowest, so we’re not expecting to complete the challenge in record time. It was only in May that Simon completed the iconic Ride100 cycling event with other club members, and now, sadly, the pleasure of cycling is no longer available to him.”
To support the Bedford Belly Buster challenge, please donate via GiveWheel here.
“Every contribution counts in the fight against MND,” said Andrew.
“Together, we can make a difference for Simon and thousands of others affected by MND. Your support will bring us one step closer to a cure.”
