Some months ago, shortly before my 60th birthday I agreed to cycle the North Coast 500 which is an iconic route circumnavigating the entire north of Scotland, from Inverness, across to the west coast and then right around the west, north and east coasts, via John O’Groats, and back to Inverness. 

The challenge is 516 miles or 830.4 km over 7 days with 4 other cyclists my younger brother Shaun Birbeck, Stephen Errington, Shaun Gaskill, Bryan Beeson and  backed up by support driver David Beeson.

The reality of the ride is now just days away and although it will be a massive challenge I am determined to complete the task ahead. 

I am at 60 very fortunate to remain relatively fit and healthy and this has prompted me to make the most of this and complete the ride for a  worthwhile charity.

My middle younger brother Glen was diagnosed with secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2017 aged just 49. 

MS is a condition which causes damage to the nerves in your brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). Sclerosis means scarring and refers to the damage to the nerves caused by MS.
Multiple is added because this can happen in more than one place.

Currently, there is no cure for MS but there is a wide range of possible treatments such as symptomatic treatments, disease modifying drugs and complementary therapies

Glen has been self employed as a window fitter for most of his adult
life and this diagnosis has obviously been a life changing event. 

Initial treatment with a modifying therapy did not work and he is  waiting to hear from his neurologist about possible further treatment.

Glen has suffered a slow decline in his limb strength and energy levels but continues to work although climbing ladders is now out of the question. He gets on with life, never complains of his illness and he still retains his unique sense of humour.

If I can achieve my target then hopefully this contribution may in the future help to slow down this debilitating disease.

The MS Trust are a UK charity that believes nobody should have to manage multiple sclerosis alone. They provide trusted information to  help people with MS live the best life possible; train and educate MS health professionals to offer the best care; and fund MS nurses in the areas of greatest need.

I am going to try and capture my journey on my Instagram @tonybirbeck which could prove harder than the ride itself.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and your donations are very much appreciated.