Sarah, Lynn, and Donna with their bikes in front of the Eiffel Tower. They have their back to the camera and are facing the tower with their hands raised in celebration,

London to Paris – a triumph of determination and community

By Helen McCarrollOn In Centre Updates, Event Updates, Featured

The MD Support Centre is thrilled to announce that its London to Paris fundraising challenge raised an incredible £11,000 to support people living with muscular dystrophy.

In September, our community rose to the challenge of a 335-mile cycle to raise funds. The power of community shone brightly as service users, staff, volunteers, family, and friends came together to take part, cycling the equivalent distance from London to Paris, baking, selling treats, and cheering each other on. This remarkable collective effort showed how much can be achieved when a community unites behind a shared goal.

At the heart of the challenge were Donna Scarrot, a nurse living with muscular dystrophy, Co-Lead Physiotherapist Lynn Ward, and our former CEO Sarah Ann Moore. They cycled from London to Paris in support of MD Support Centre. Battling wind, rain, hail, and even thunder, the trio pushed on with determination. After four demanding days, they crossed the finish line beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower – a true testament to courage, resilience, and perseverance.

Personal journey

For Donna, the journey was deeply personal. She said:

“This cause is deeply personal to me. As someone living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), I rely on the Centre’s physiotherapy and osteopathy services to stay strong, mobile, and independent for longer. Their expert team makes a real difference in my life and in the lives of so many others facing the challenges of muscular dystrophy. Every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure that people like me continue to receive essential care, guidance, and support, enabling us to live with greater strength, confidence, and dignity.”

Our riders were kitted out in specially designed shirts, sponsored by service user Steven Harper and his company ClimbCare, and printed by Bludog. Their support ensured our riders were comfortable while also helping raise awareness of our charity throughout their journey.

One idea sparks a movement

Inspired by their extraordinary effort, the Centre’s in-house Race to Paris brought the challenge to life for the wider community. Service users, staff, volunteers, family, and friends collectively cycled 335 miles, matching the distance of the real-life journey. Thanks to the generosity of Theratrainer, who loaned an accessible bike, and Reach for Health, who provided a stationary bike, multiple participants could ride at the same time, creating a lively atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

Donna, Sarah and Lynn on the road from London to Paris.
Four people using exercise bikes. Three are dressed in matching stripey outfits and berets.
Three people using wheelchair accessible theratrainer bikes

The week was packed with achievements and memorable moments:

  • Carolyn, who had never used the bike before, cycled three miles, discovering a new way to support her strength and wellbeing.
  • Paul travelled all the way from Tipton to Coventry to take part as a way of expressing thanks to Dan and Abbas.
  • One service user cycled an incredible 28 miles in just an hour.
  • Kaye, Sadie, and Louise brightened the Centre with matching outfits, cycling 36 miles between them. Kaye even returned the next day to beat her personal best.
  • Tahirah and her cousin visited an accessible cycling centre for the first time, completing three miles each.
  • Many people came to the Centre just to take part in the challenge, show their solidarity for the riders and give back to our charity.
  • Others cycled at home or at their local gym to help complete the distance.

Running alongside the London to Paris fundraising challenge, our French-themed bake sale, coffee morning, and raffle were resounding successes. They gave participants the chance to meet others living with muscular dystrophy and created a real community spirit. Special thanks to Vicky Pemberton for donating a Greggs voucher to help stock up on goodies.

Physiotherapist Abbas using a stationary exercise bike
A man using a stationary exercise bike
A woman uses a wheelchair accessible theratrainer bike while talking to Therapy Assistant Suki

A community effort

Many service users and staff joined in from home or travelled to the Centre just to be part of the event, showing the true reach and strength of the Centre’s community. For those taking part, covering just a few miles was a meaningful triumph. It demonstrated their determination to face physical challenges and the deep inspiration and gratitude sparked by the riders and the Centre’s life-changing support.

Congratulations to Donna on exceeding her £2,000 fundraising goal, and to Lynn who raised an incredible £5,000. Many thanks to the anonymous donor who contributed £1,000, and to everyone that raised sponsorship or donated to the cause. The funds will directly support ongoing specialist therapies, equipment, and wellbeing services for people living with muscular dystrophy.

We are also incredibly grateful to everyone who cycled, baked, donated, or cheered from home. The Race to Paris has reminded us all what is possible when a community comes together. It has shown how one idea, powered by courage, dedication, and generosity, can inspire an entire charity. Together, we have shown the remarkable difference a united community can make!

Two people using accessible bikes, pedalling with their arms. They are wearing MDSC branded t-shirts
An older gentleman on a stationary bike
A young man in a wheelchair using an accessible bike
Three people in front of the Eiffel Tower smiling at the camera
Three people in front of the Eiffel Tower lifting their bikes above their heads
Trustee Roger uses a stationary bike in our Centre
A woman using a stationary bike. She is smiling at the camera
Two women using accessible theratrainer bikes. One is using her arms to pedal while the other uses their legs.
A group of people standing in from of a TV screen
Two women using accessible three wheel bikes on a track

It’s not too late to contribute to the London to Paris fundraising challenge. We’re keeping our donation page open until the end of October for anyone that wants to donate in support of our riders. Give now.

If you’ve been inspired by our riders, why not see what you could do to fundraise for MD Support Centre? Visit our fundraising page to find out more.