Lochaber ladies on their bikes for vital charity fundraising
THREE Lochaber ladies have cycled 50 miles to raise money for a charity highlighting the effects of a genetic disorder affecting one of their sons.
Amy Fulford, Lucy Swabey and Elspeth Berardelli took part in the Edinburgh night ride at the weekend raising more than £1,300 for Action Duchenne, a charity supporting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
Elspeth’s son, Giorgio, 12, is the driving force behind the fundraising after he was diagnosed with DMD in 2008.
Mum Elspeth said: ‘As ever, our driving inspiration is the irrepressible Giorgio. He continues to amaze everyone around him with his strength of character and sheer grit. Whether it’s ski-ing, biking, swimming, dancing or whatever goal he’s set himself, he refuses to give up, however difficult his body makes things for him.
‘When Giorgio was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2008 our world was turned upside down. With this new terrible diagnosis, combined with his complex heart condition, we felt the future was bleak. However, since then, largely due to the tenacity and enthusiasm of Giorgio himself, we have got ourselves back on track and feel it is important to be proactive in fundraising and increasing awareness of this condition.
‘ We have been cycling together for several years but often it’s been more about the tea and cakes than racking up the miles. However, in our constant quest to fundraise and increase awareness of DMD, we decided it was time to make our biking matter.’
Lucy told the Lochaber Times: ‘We got on really well and made good time.
‘Our ususal rides are about 10 miles so this was a big challenge for us, especially trying to fit in training around work. Having the support from the community has really helped.’
Elspeth said since the last big fundraiser there have been promising results in the research into finding significant treatments and ultimately a cure for DMD.
She added: ‘ As ever, time is against us and further progress is dependent on cash injections from charities such as Action Duchenne.
‘Your continuing love and support is very much appreciated by us all. Without your help, everything would be so much harder.
‘With only 100 boys born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in UK every year, it is not deemed important enough to merit significant government funding, so public fundraising is vital.’
Before the event, the three ladies did a training ride around Achnacarry, with Janet Sidgwick providing a fundraising lunch for the group and friends.