Free-wheeling Barbara takes to streets of London for charity
A MUM who has been a life-long cycle fanatic will complete a 100-mile cycle challenge - little over a year after being diagnosed with a severe muscle-wasting disease.
Barbara Hampton, 52, of Great Moor, was left ‘devastated’ when she was told by doctors she had facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) just before Christmas 2015.
This means she has muscle wastage in the limbs, shoulders and face but once the initial shock wore off she was determined to not let it stop her doing the sport she loves so much.
And in July Barbara will take on Ride London 2017 - a 100 mile route from Olympic Park to Surrey.
She said: “Being diagnosed was devastating and a real shock. I had heard of muscular dystrophy before because my brother in law’s mother has limb girdle muscular dystrophy.
“But she had never really talked about it until I was diagnosed. Now, we openly share our experiences, which is really valuable.
“I’m doing Ride London because I want to prove to myself, and others, that my condition won’t stop me doing the sport I love. I refuse to let my condition slow me down.”
Barbara, who is married with two sons and a daughter, was only diagnosed after completing a Land’s End to John O’ Groats cycle.
She went for a massage hoping it would ease stiffness and fatigue in her muscles that affected her posture and balance.
But her masseuse was shocked to find little muscle tissue around her neck and Barbara was referred first to a physiotherapist, then to hospital.
Another bike ride she has planned this summer is through France and Spain with cyclists she met last year conquering the Madonna del Ghisallo climb in Italy.
Barbara, who works as a case consultant for a pension company, said: “There is never a good time, but Christmas was a really tough time to get such life-changing news.
“I had no information about the condition and felt totally isolated. Thankfully I heard about Muscular Dystrophy UK. Through them, I was able to access information and support.
“After diagnosis, I was desperate to see someone with my condition living an active life. I needed to see someone else who was doing okay. Then, a friend told me that I could be the person that others look to. She was right.
“Since then I want to show others what’s possible.”
To sponsor Barbara visit the Muscular Dystrophy website and search her name.