AN epic ride from Brisbane to Sydney for muscular dystrophy, with several stop offs including Port Macquarie, is well underway.
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David Blackburn is riding his bicycle a staggering 914 kilometres to raise funds and awareness for muscular dystrophy.
Muscular dystrophy is the name given to a group of neuromuscular disorders that cause progressive and irreversible weakness and wasting of the muscles.
There are more than 30 different types of muscular dystrophy.
It comes after his brother, Peter, was diagnosed with the disease in July of 2017.
“Peter (27 years old) took himself to the doctor after he started having major restrictions in his body movement, mainly upper body," he said.
"It wasn’t until October 2017, that his first rheumatologist diagnosed him with Psoriatic Arthritis with Fibromyalgia."
Post diagnosis and months of treatment and intense medication followed, however little progress was made.
That led to a different rheumatologist who was not convinced of the diagnoses.
"After consultation with a Neurologist who began the testing for facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD),” Mr Blackburn said.
“It is now November 2018 and the Doctors are yet to diagnose the specific type of FSHD. This is my motivation for raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy Australia.
"The money will aid in research in getting a better understanding of the disease."
David will be departing Brisbane on Saturday, December 1 and is expected to reach Sydney by December 15.
He will stop off in the Gold Coast, Ballina, Yamba, Minnie Waters, Coffs Harbour and several other towns before arriving in Port Macquarie on December 8 - if all goes to plan.
Muscular Dystrophy Australia Executive Director, Boris M Struk, said the bike ride Mr Blackbun is taking on is an incredible feat.
"We have to sincerely thank him for doing it on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy Australia and the Muscular Dystrophy community; it’s truly remarkable,” he said.
“There are amazing people out there who selflessly take on challenges to support those in need and David is one of those people.
"To take on such a physically strenuous challenge to raise funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy is an unbelievable effort and gesture."
To donate to the ride CLICK HERE
Matt Attard
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
