SMA, Sarah, Cycling and Support

I met Sarah Howard through an amateur theatre company at the Bob Hope Theatre, in Eltham. Her drive, passion for theatre and love of life is infectious and often exhausting! 

Sarah has SMA and through our friendship I have come to know just how debilitating, painful and destructive this condition is. As it progresses, muscles cease to function. 

More and more research is being done to find ways not just to stop the deterioration of someone's condition but actually to reverse some of the damage and there are drugs available now which offer extraordinary opportunities and hope to those with the condition. 

However, these drugs are not available to everyone. Part of what SMA UK (https://smauk.org.uk/) does is to provide support and information to those with SMA and their families. But the charity also funds research, policy discussions at national levels and wider initiatives to help those with SMA. 

There are 2 main events in which I am already enrolled, but they are not the only ones: 

The London Revolution in May (155 miles in 2 days) and Lands End to John O'Groats (approx 1000 miles in 9 days) in September 2021. 

I will also be putting myself at the mercy of the weather for as yet undecided cycling challenges. 

I am covering all of my support costs, registration fees and ancillary expenses myself so EVERY PENNY raised goes directly to SMA UK. 

None of this will be easy but it is nothing in comparison to living with a debilitating condition such as SMA. I've had 3 knee operations, 2 hip operations including a total hip replacement and I've had my left big toe rebuilt. "Can't" is a state of mind in many ways and right now, I "can't" do nothing. 

Please follow my blog where I'll post updates on training, fundraising, events and just how much my legs hurt (Shut Up Legs!):

https://cyclomarssma2020.blogspot.com/

I'll also try to get you involved in as many events as I can think of to raise money and support for this outstanding charity. 

Thank you Sarah, for being an inspiration and a bloody wonderful friend. 

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Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Every penny that you donate goes to SMA as I will be covering the cost of all my cycling events. Thank you for whatever you can give. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.