Cyclists raise £5,000 for muscular dystrophy

Adam Kirk, from Beverley, is determined to live life to the full while he can after finding out he carries the gene for Bethlem myopathy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy, following his father David’s diagnosis last year.

The 21-year-old, who has just finished his degree at Huddersfield University, said: “It totally changed the outlook on my life from then on, as I saw my dad and thought that could be me when I’m his age, so it makes me plan things and think about just what I want to accomplish in my life before I can’t.”

The disease, which affects around one in 250,000 people, prevents the collagen between the sufferer’s muscles from self-repairing, making any kind of physical exertion both exhausting and risky. There is currently no cure.

Adam was joined by friends and former Beverley Grammar School classmates Dan Cameron, Ben Turner, Alex Mason and Sami Kimyongur, all 21, on the challenge. Together they have raised nearly £5,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

“I only had to mention the ride and they were more than up for it, something I will be forever grateful of,” he said.

“It was fantastic, an experience of a lifetime that none of us will ever forget.”

To donate to the cause, visit www.joglemd.co.uk.