A group of twenty cyclists from Bedford, affectionately known as the Bedford Belly Busters, are gearing up for a monumental challenge from the 15th to the 17th of November. The group includes 11 past parents, OBs, and current parents who are coming together for a cause close to their hearts.
Their mission? To cycle 160 miles in support of their fellow member, Simon Christian, who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Simon, a cherished member of the Bedford Belly Busters at just 52 years old, received his diagnosis earlier this month. MND is a progressive illness that affects the nerves and muscles, and as of now, there is no known cure. In response to this life-altering news, the group of over sixty lifelong friends—who have bonded over their shared love of cycling for more than forty years—came together to use their passion for a greater purpose.
Reflecting on the outpouring of support, Simon shared –
“I was overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from family, friends, and colleagues, which gives me and my family huge positivity as we face the challenges ahead. The MND Association has already been a great help in the early stages of my diagnosis. I joined the Bedford Belly Busters cycling group two years ago and have cycled most Saturday mornings, winter through summer. Along the way, I’ve established some great friendships, combining cycling with the consumption of Guinness and cooked breakfasts. It is an activity I will miss hugely!”
The primary aim of the bike ride is to raise awareness of MND and raise money for the MND Association and its research efforts. In addition, Simon needs alterations to his home to assist with his changing mobility, so a portion of the funds raised will go directly to covering these costs. The remaining money will be donated to a combination of Leeds Hospitals Charity (administering the Rob Burrows campaign), the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Gloucester Rugby Foundation (administering the 4Ed Ed Slater campaign), and the MND Association Bedfordshire Group, which has provided tremendous support to Simon and his family.
This ride is not just about miles; it’s about supporting Simon, raising awareness, and funding vital research in the hope of finding a cure for this cruel disease. MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK at any one time, and there is currently no cure. Every mile cycled and every donation made will support research into treatments and care for people with MND. The Bedford Belly Busters were born from a group of former Bedford Rowing Club members who traded their oars for bicycles. This non-competitive club, now boasting over sixty members, is better known for its love of cycling, Guinness, and hearty English breakfasts. The club’s ethos is simple: a full English breakfast with Guinness roughly equates to 900 calories, while a 35-mile ride burns around 1,000 calories, meaning each cyclist returns home about 100 calories ahead!
Andrew Murphy (75-86), founder of the Bedford Belly Busters, shared his thoughts on the upcoming challenge: “We wanted to show Simon how much we support him and his family after this life-changing experience. The group came up with the idea of cycling from Bedford to the 745 rugby game in Headingley—some 180 miles, with 2,500 metres of hills to climb. We’re doing this over two and a half days, in what will no doubt be the worst weather November can throw at us. The ethos of the club is that fellow riders go at the pace of the slowest, so we’re not expecting to complete the challenge in record time. It was only in May that Simon completed the iconic Ride100 cycling event with other club members, and now, sadly, the pleasure of cycling is no longer available to him.”
To support the Bedford Belly Busters’ challenge, please consider donating via GiveWheel.
Every contribution counts in the fight against MND.
If you would like to know more about our challenge, please contact:
Hugh Maltby
Email: haj.maltby@gmail.com
Mobile: 07787 517480
