An avid adventurer with a muscle-wasting disease is preparing to take on his toughest challenge yet.
Andy Davies, from Arundel, who has previously trekked and cycled in some of the world’s highest mountain ranges, was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy in 2019.
The 72-year-old is the mastermind behind new fundraising challenge the Thames Source To Sea Community Challenge, which will take place on April 15 and 16 and is in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The challenge aims to raise awareness and funds for research into treatments for rare, life-limiting muscle-wasting conditions to support the 110,000 children and adults across the UK affected by these conditions.
Andy’s daughter Becs Blasco, from Brighton, will be supporting her father as he faces the last leg of the challenge.
“The challenge has three main objectives: to raise the profile of MDUK and awareness of muscle-wasting conditions to help educate people, to get people from all walks of life to take part from the different communities including, those living with a condition and thirdly to raise funds to support MDUK’s research work in order to help find a cure for future generations,” said Andy.
Becs, 43, alongside friends and family, has split the Thames Path into 30 sections including a mixture of four and ten-and-a-half mile walks, with each section graded for its accessibility in a traffic light system, making the event accessible for all to participate.
People can sign up to the challenge here.
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The 184-mile walk will cover the length of the Thames from its source to the estuary covering six counties.
“We believe that Dad may have been living with the condition for over a decade previously before finally receiving his diagnosis,” said Becs.
“Looking back, there were signs all over the place in the years leading up to the diagnosis, but he just assumed he was getting older and losing muscle power.
“Throughout his whole life Dad has been so lucky to be incredibly active, from mountain walking, hikes to running long distances.
“It was incredibly tough for him to conceive the news and how much of a massive change it would be for him and for us as a whole family. It was certainly a challenging time.
“I’m immensely proud of Dad for setting up the challenge and will be there to support him every step.”
Becs will be walking with her husband Tom, and their children Bella, six and Joanie, three.
The family will join Andy to complete the final stage of the route, alongside Becs’ mum Vicky, Andy’s wife of 48 years, and their son Luke.
Andy is determined to walk the final leg of the journey, using his walker aid along with his powerchair and Becs is excited about them crossing the finish line together.
To support Becs and her father visit justgiving.com/campaign/Thamessource
People can take on the virtual Thames Path Source To Sea Community Challenge to help fundraise, or take part in the 184 Challenge, created by Luke, which encourages people to create and complete a challenge based upon the numbers, one, eight and four.
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