Cycle in memory of Brian Haines
Pedal power helped raise more than £5,000 for the Reading and West Berkshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association on Saturday, July 2.
Paul Cassell
Twenty-three disabled and able-bodied cyclists rode bikes and adapted trikes around Palmer Park Stadium in Earley in memory of Brian Haines
Twenty-three disabled and able-bodied cyclists rode bikes and adapted trikes around Palmer Park Stadium in Earley in memory of Brian Haines from East Reading, who died from the condition in January.
The fundraisers covered 290 miles in under two hours around the velodrome and athletics track at the stadium in Wokingham Road and were joined by three spectators and even a toddler on a scooter.
Mr Haines, from Denmark Road, was a keen cyclist whose inspiration in raising awareness of MND which led to him being named Reading Disabled Sports Personality of The Year just 10 days before he died.
The condition meant for a long period he was unable to ride his collection of nine bikes but after joining Reading CTC's disabled cycling group he began riding again using a specially adapted trike.
MND is a debilitating condition that gradually destroys nerve cells leading to weakness and wasting of muscles affecting mobility, speech, swallowing, and breathing.
There is no cure and with life expectancy between two to five years in its most common form although treatment is available to slow down the progress of the disease and manage symptoms.
MND branch publicity officer Jane Gilbert said: "It was a absolutely fantastic. We had all ages and abilities taking part and it was great atmosphere and hugely successful from a fundraising point of view in smashing our £5,000 target.
"Brian would have been so proud.
"He would have thought it was fantastic.
"Cycling was a real passion of his and to see so many cyclists on the track enjoying themselves, including those who are disabled, would have been an absolute joy for him."
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at www.justgiving.com/teams/cyclingforbrian
Earley