Our trips truly would not be the same without meeting the amazing members of the MS Society groups up and down the UK. Meeting with these individuals is such a highlight of every trip, and this a great way for our riders to not only learn more about multiple sclerosis (MS) but also to remind them to keep pedaling as their hard work is helping so many amazing people! As our 2022 summer season has come to an end, we wanted to reflect upon the main reason we run our trips – To support those living with MS. With an estimated 130,000 living with multiple sclerosis in the UK, it is imperative to us to support research to find a cure for the disease.
Who We Supported
After a difficult couple of years pushing through the pandemic, we were rather ambivalent about how the year would pan out, but it’s safe to say that as ever, the passion and generosity of all of our riders, donors, and volunteers was overwhelming! Over the four trips this year, our riders collectively raised an incredible £65,000! This fundraising enabled us to support 15 MS Society groups across the UK, with donations ranging from £350 to £2,000. The rider’s immense efforts also meant that we were able to support a research project, the Octopus Trial, the first ever multi-arm, multi-stage trial for progressive MS.
Where does our support?
We spoke to some of the MS Society groups that we were able to support, in order to see exactly where our funds were going! The members at Yeovil & Sherborne District society explained that they would be using the donation to fund a counseling and mindfulness course for their members who continue to need support after lockdown, whilst the Inverness & Nairn group would be using their donation towards an exercise bike for one of their local members after their physio had recommended he get one. The group felt it quite fitting that our donation went towards helping them!
Over in Bath the MS Society, who we meet on our Land’s End to John O’Groats ride, told us that their donation went towards the cost of their recent day visit to the nearby Westonbirt Arboretum, where 25 members got to enjoy the beautiful sights of nature it had to offer. This trip was very important to them as they aim to “regularly get together socially, not only to keep fit and have fun but to support each other, especially as some of us live alone” in order to reduce isolation created through the pandemic.
Octopus Trial
We had the opportunity to support a vital research project this year and opted for the “Octopus Trial”, a revolutionary trial that has the potential to completely transform the way in which progressive MS is tested for. Not only could this provide life-changing treatment for those currently living with the disease, but it also hopes to provide this treatment three times faster than existing procedures. Check out the Octopus Trial for more information.
Our thanks to the MS Society
Before we wrap up, we wanted to say a massive thank you to the MS Society for their ongoing support. It has been such a privilege to have their backing the last few years and we are excited to continue growing the relationship going forward. It is also such an honour to meet MS Society groups up and down the country and all of their inspirational stories help push our riders to keep going, even through the highs and lows!
Thank You from the MS Society
“Thank you so much for taking part in Bike the UK for MS, we really appreciate your incredible support. Every penny that you raised through your challenge will be going towards vital research to help end MS for good and to supporting those living with MS. We hope you enjoyed the adventure. On behalf of the MS Society we thank you for stepping up to the task and sticking up for those living with MS in the process! We couldn’t do what we do without the valuable support of people like you, thank you!”
Lon Las Cymru – 2023 Ride
Alongside our usual busy summer schedule of rides, we’ve decided to organise our first ride in Wales! In May our Bike the UK for MS alumni will take on the four–day Lôn Las Cymru challenge, pedaling from the tip of Wales in Holyhead, traversing three mountain ranges and two national parks, and finishing in the country’s capital, Cardiff. We’d absolutely love to meet any nearby MS Society groups!
