In an inspiring effort to support a colleague and raise awareness about muscular dystrophy, a team of 12 from Leeds is set to take on the Pedal Paddle Peak challenge in the Lake District. The event, scheduled for 6 July, aims to raise £6,500 for Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity committed to supporting individuals with muscle-wasting conditions.
This challenge not only tests the physical limits of the participants but also stands as a testament to friendship and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Left: Helen Naylor and Anna Hobbs at the Great North Run 2022; Right: Eben
The Challenge
The Pedal Paddle Peak challenge is a demanding triathlon that includes a 30-mile cycle, a two-mile canoe paddle, and a climb to the peak of Helvellyn mountain. This event is designed to push the participants to their limits while raising crucial funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The team, named ‘Team Zenith,’ is composed of colleagues from Zenith, a company based in Leeds. Their motivation for this strenuous endeavor stems from their close connection with Helen Naylor, a fellow colleague whose five-year-old son, Eben, lives with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD).
Why They Are Doing It
Helen Naylor and Anna Hobbs share a profound bond, having worked together for over seven years. Their friendship deepened through the challenges Helen faced following Eben’s diagnosis. UCMD is a rare and severe form of muscular dystrophy that affects muscle strength and can lead to significant physical disabilities. For Anna, participating in the Pedal Paddle Peak challenge is a way to show solidarity and support for Helen and her family.
Reflecting on her motivation, Anna Hobbs says,
“Helen and I have been through a lot together, including her journey with Eben’s diagnosis. I remember meeting Eben when he was just a few days old. While the family knew something was wrong, it took over two years to get the diagnosis. Since then, I decided I wanted to do as much as I could to help.”
Team Zenith
The team comprises Anna Hobbs and her colleagues: Katie Atherton, Alan Bastey, Elizabeth Bennett, Rachel Braithwaite, Katie Gant, Emma Harrison, Callum Horn, Sam Pickup, Laura Shackleton, Sean Skippen, and Olivia Unsworth. Together, they aim to raise £6,500, with 80% of the funds directed towards research into UCMD and 20% allocated for Eben’s future welfare needs.
The Impact of UCMD
Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy significantly impacts those diagnosed, manifesting early in life and leading to severe muscle weakness. For Eben, this means he is unable to walk and uses a trike for mobility at home and school, supplemented by a power wheelchair for longer distances. Helen Naylor describes the ongoing adaptation their family has undergone since Eben’s diagnosis:
“Eben’s condition means he’s unable to walk as UCMD affects his strength. We know that Eben is also likely to face respiratory issues, muscle contractures, and scoliosis later in life. Sadly, there is no cure for the condition, but the promising research that is being done gives us hope.”
Training and Expectations
Training for the Pedal Paddle Peak challenge has been rigorous for Team Zenith, with Anna expressing particular concern about the cycling portion.
“There are no avid cyclists in our team, so I think that part of the day will be the biggest challenge for most of us,”
she notes. Despite the physical challenges ahead, the team’s commitment to the cause and to supporting their colleague’s family drives them forward.
Personal Stories and Motivations
Each team member has their own personal reason for participating. Rachel Braithwaite, another team member, highlights the emotional connection she feels to the cause: “I hadn’t heard of the condition until Helen’s son was born and she spoke of it.
Helen had Eben two months after I had my little girl, Sadie, and it hits home to realize how much we take for granted. To be able to do something for Eben and his family, as well as helping other individuals who live with muscular dystrophy, makes the challenge more worthwhile.”
Supporting the Cause
Support for Team Zenith can be shown through their JustGiving page, where they are collecting donations. The funds raised will play a crucial role in supporting ongoing research and providing aid to families affected by muscular dystrophy. The collective effort of this challenge is not only about raising money but also about increasing awareness and fostering a community of support.
The Future of Pedal Paddle Peak
The Pedal Paddle Peak challenge in the Lake District is just one of the many events organized to support Muscular Dystrophy UK. A similar event is scheduled to take place in Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in September, though it is already sold out. Those interested can join the waiting list or explore other ways to get involved through the charity’s website.
About Muscular Dystrophy UK
Muscular Dystrophy UK is the leading charity for the 110,000 people in the UK living with over 60 different muscle-wasting and weakening conditions. The charity provides expert advice, funds groundbreaking research, and works with the NHS to ensure access to specialist healthcare. Their mission extends beyond just medical support; they campaign for better understanding, accessibility, and treatment options for those affected.
Muscle-wasting conditions are progressive and can significantly impact quality of life, causing difficulties with mobility, swallowing, and breathing, among other complications. Muscular Dystrophy UK’s efforts are crucial in supporting individuals and families through every stage of their journey, from diagnosis to managing daily life.
Final Points
The Pedal Paddle Peak challenge embodies the spirit of resilience, friendship, and community support. As Team Zenith embarks on this formidable journey, their determination and commitment to raising awareness and funds for muscular dystrophy serve as an inspiration.
Their efforts not only support Eben and his family but also contribute to the broader fight against muscle-wasting conditions, offering hope to many others.
