A MUM and an aunty took on a triple challenge in honour of an inspirational youngster.
Sisters Emma Gauder and Jane Young joined 146 people from across the country on Saturday (July 1) to take on Pedal Paddle Peak – a ‘triple challenge’ in Penrith, the Lake District – in aid of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The Solihull pair completed a 30-mile cycle, which was split across two stages, a two-mile canoe on the Ullswater Lake, followed by climbing Helvellyn Mountain, before they got back on their bike to complete the second stage of the cycling.
They signed up to the challenge in aid of Emma’s son, Jack, 12, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare life-limiting muscle-wasting condition.
The duo said: “Pedal Paddle Peak was an incredible challenge.
“It was very tough at times but thinking about Jack, and seeing all the other teams fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK and their loved ones, kept us going.
“We are so proud to have represented Fighting Back For Jack in this event.”
The pair smashed their fundraising target and raised more than £1,600 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The family are no strangers to fundraising challenges for the charity. After Jack was diagnosed, they set up Fighting Back for Jack, a family fund.
Emma said: “When Jack was diagnosed in 2013, as a family, we couldn’t stand back and do nothing, so we joined Muscular Dystrophy UK in the fight against muscle-wasting conditions.
“Our aim has and always will be to fundraise to support research to one day find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and stop this awful condition.”
They’ve since taken on many fundraising feats including the Coast to Coast walk/run in Scotland, marathons, half marathons, swims, triathlons, and cycle rides, raising over £117,000 for the charity in the process.
Jane said: “Jack motivates me on a daily basis. If he wants to do something we will try and find a way to allow him to do it, so that he never misses out.”
For more or to donate visit the Just Giving website and search Emma Gauder.
