Ride for a purpose

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the name of a group of more than 40 different neuromuscular disorders that result in progressive wasting and weakness of the muscles.

Each of the different types of MD presents with various levels of severity and complexity. Progressive muscle weakness is the primary symptom, leading to secondary effects such as fatigue, increasingly limited physical activity, impaired balance and frequent falls.

MD affects children and adults of every race. These disorders usually are inherited, with the defective gene responsible for the weakening of the muscles being passed on from one generation to the next. However, MD also occur in families where there is no prior history of the condition.

People affected by muscular dystrophy need motorised wheelchairs and other assistive devices, but these are very expensive.

The Muscle Riders group seeks to improve the quality of life of people affected with this dreadful disease. They need cyclists who can ride for them and raise funds.

The team also wants to give cyclists the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people affected by the disease by riding for a purpose.

Last year 48 cyclists rode for the MD Foundation at the Momentum 94.7 Ride For A Purpose challenge, including three doctors. Some of the non-profit organisations raised more than R1 million last year.

This year is their 40th anniversary and it is important for them to make the public more aware of the disease by generating awareness and much-needed funds.

The team requests each rider to donate or raise at least R1 000. Letters that the riders can show to the family members, friends and companies they approach for donations will be forwarded to them.

Anyone who is interested in riding for The Muscle Riders on 16 November at the Momentum 94.7 Ride For A Purpose challenge can contact The Muscle Riders general manager Pieter Joubert on 072 433 6721 or 011 472 9824.