PAUL Sharman, 42, alongside his wife Sarah Sharman, 42, from Leicester, joined 146 people, from across the country, to complete the fundraising challenge last Saturday (1 July).
The duo, joined by close friends Heather 41, and husband Martin Lewins, 42, from Leeds, tackled the challenge in Penrith, the Lake District, all in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK. So far, they’ve raised £1,700 for the charity, which helps fund research into treatments for rare, life-limiting muscle-wasting conditions and supports the 110,000 children and adults across the UK affected by these conditions.
The friends of 23 years completed a 30-mile cycle, which is split across two stages, a two-mile canoe on the stunning Ullswater Lake, followed by climbing Helvellyn Mountain, before they get back on their bike to complete the second stage of the cycling. Their motivation for completing the challenge was Heather and Martin’s son, Daniel, who was diagnosed with Ullrich muscular dystrophy aged three. The condition means he cannot stand or walk, uses a wheelchair full time, he also has problems with his breathing (he uses a non-invasive ventilator at night) and has scoliosis, which will need surgery in the next year.
Paul, who is Daniel’s Godfather, and avid supporter of the charity said:
“Completing the Pedal, Paddle, Peak was joyous and our main motivation to keep us going was Daniel. I was thankful to have my wife and wonderful friends by my side.
“Since Daniel was diagnosed, we’ve done all we can to raise much-needed awareness and vital funds for such an amazing charity that provides support. By raising funds, we can continue to support the research work into new treatments and ultimately find a cure for Daniel’s condition, to enable him to do things that most of us take for granted, such as standing, walking and running.”
The team of four named ‘The Misplaced Manta Rays’ joined 45 other teams on the day to help raise vital funds for the charity. The event started in 2016 and has helped to collectively raise £392,000 and is set to raise £100,000 from this year’s event.
Paul and Daniel’s mum, Heather, have previously gone the extra mile for the charity taking part in several fundraising challenges over the years including; running the Great North Run in 2018 and virtually in 2020, before taking part in the run in 2021, ahead of Heather completing the London Marathon in 2022.
You can still donate to support Paul and his team through their online fundraising page.
Kiera Santry, Challenge Events Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK said:
“Pedal, Paddle, Peak is a huge event on the calendar, it was delightful to return for our eighth year. The scenic route around the beautiful Ullswater Lake, along with the atmosphere on the day made it a truly special occasion – and it’s an exceptional achievement and experience for all of those that crossed the finish line.
“We are grateful to Paul, Sarah, Heather, and Martin for choosing to raise funds and awareness on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy UK. This will help us continue supporting and improving the lives of thousands of families living with rare muscle-wasting conditions.
“Thank you to the team and to all our other participants for taking part in Pedal, Paddle, Peak 2023 – why not sign up for the 2024 challenge yourself?”
If you are interested in signing up for Pedal, Paddle, Peak 2024, please visit: musculardystrophyuk.org/ppp.
For more information or to help support Muscular Dystrophy UK’s work, please visit: musculardystrophyuk.org or call their free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon-Thurs 10am-2pm).
