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I will be cycling the 3000km from Vancouver to Mexico in aid of Motor Neurone Disease Scotland because of the great work the charity has done in supporting my father and family with the many challenges that this disease presents. Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects the motor neurones in your nervous system that normally coordinate the movement of your body. The disease affects all your motor neurones which means that all forms of muscular contraction are affected and thus results in the loss of the ability to walk, manipulate everyday things with your hands, speech and the ability to swallow. You may be aware that the scientist Stephen Hawkins has this condition.

As a result, mentally coping with the degeneration of your own body and the ability to clearly communicate your needs is probably one of the most difficult things to observe in a loved one. I am amazed by the strength of character that my father demonstrates on a daily basis in the face of what is a very difficult long term prognosis. 

So why cycling? My father and I have enjoyed many cycle touring trips in my youth and cycling has always been a major part of my fathers life having cycled back from South East Asia to the UK in the 1960's. As a result, it seemed like a cycle related challenge would allow my father to experience the trip when he can no longer engage himself in what was a clear passion. Also when I was a boy we had always talked about cycling either across Canada or America but never really got round to it. So I guess there is no time like the present!!

Thank you for donating. I will be keeping a blog of my activities in relation to the preparation and training for this trip and also intend to bore you with my travels when the adventure begins. I intend to start cycling on the 29th of June and should finish in 4 to 5 weeks all being well. 

Check out http://vancouvertomexicobybike.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Thank you 

Jamie Laycock