A man suffering from MND to cycle through Bucks in 700km challenge for charity
Nick Apperley started his journey from Suffolk to Cornwall this morning
Last updated 8th Jun 2024
Nick Apperley was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in early June last year after first believing something was wrong in 2020.
Nearly 3 and a half years later it was confirmed, but Nick told us it was a "long meandering route" to getting the diagnosis.
His GP initially thought it was "something muscular" and told him to rest, but when things failed to improve, he went back and had a spinal MRI.
Following this he visited a neurologist in Ipswich who felt there was "nothing wrong" and the "floppy feet" Nick had been experiencing was a result of "long-term nerve damage".
However, one of Nick's sons is a medic and encouraged his Dad to see a a neurologist and a neurophysiologist privately in London.
"It was a complete shock"
He told us the diagnosis came as a surprise but that he was "really fortunate" to have his wife Jill with him in this " life-changing moment."
The pair walked arm in arm down the corridor and decided they were going to "make the most of it. " to do things, and "try and not make it life defining."
It was then he decided to cycle 444 miles or 714.549 km from Suffolk to Sennen Cornwall, where he grew up.
His route will take him through Saffron Walden; High Wycombe; Marlborough; Langport; Exeter; St Austell and Sennen Cornwall.
Nick says he's no stranger to cycling, previously doing "80 kilometres before breakfast" on his road bike. Now with his MND he'll be on a tricycle. He says "it's a bit more work" and he's a bit slower" but he is excited for the challenge.
Nick's friends and family will be joining him throughout the challenge, either on their bikes, or in the cars following.
His youngest son helped to plan the route and his wife Jill has organised where they will be stopping. He told us the support he's had "means everything to him.
"It's an illness that needs more research."
Nick told us he's proud of people like Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir who have raised awareness of MND but that many people still don't know what the implications of the disease are.
He is hoping his cycle ride will help to educate people and the money he raises will go to charities who can learn more about the condition.
"For MND there's only one medication, and that came out 30 years ago. And that really doesn't make a lot of difference to the symptoms or your life expectancy.
"There are signs that there are possible treatments that can slow down the progression and maybe even things in future that could be a cure, but for the moment there's no treatment."
The three charities Nick is fundraising for provide advocacy, support and hope for the MND community and their families. They are the following.
• MND Association - to assist their work supporting and caring for MMD sufferers, as well as invaluable research and future treatments
• ChallengingMND - who offer MND sufferers the opportunity to create amazing memories with their family and friends which will last forever.
• My Name’5 Doddie Foundation - The Doddie Weir foundation is committed to helping improve the lives of individuals and families affected by MND, funding research to find a cure. To give a life full of Love, Fun & Hope.