A MUM and an aunty are limbering up ready to take on a triple challenge in honour of an inspirational youngster.
Sisters Emma Gauder and Jane Young will join 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 will take part in a 30-mile cycle, which is split across two stages, a two-mile canoe on the Ullswater Lake, followed by climbing Helvellyn Mountain, before they get back on their bike to complete the second stage of the cycling.
They’re determined to complete the challenge in support of Emma’s son, Jack, 12, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare life-limiting muscle-wasting condition.
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.”
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.
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.
Looking for something different, the sisters decided to take on Pedal Paddle Peak to push themselves out of their comfort zone.
When things get tough during the cycle, canoe, and hike, the duo said they’re going to think of Jack.
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.”
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