The team is currently in training and comprises MD Support Centre service user Donna Scarrott, Co-Lead Physiotherapist Lynn Ward and Chief Executive Sarah Ann Moore.

Leading the initiative and first to sign up was Donna, who has Charcot Marie Tooth Disease (CMT) and receives regular physiotherapy and osteopathy from MD Support Centre.

Donna said the charity had been the cornerstone of her recovery from major foot surgery and that its ongoing support enables her to not only maintain mobility and independence as her condition progresses but also continue in her career as an NHS nurse.

She said: “Their support has been invaluable, not just to me but to other members of my family living with the same condition. It’s not just the physical therapies that have had the greatest impact on my journey so far - the staff themselves provide so much more.

“A friendly smile, a chat over a cup of tea as I discuss my worries, a hug when needed, and all the practical, emotional, and mental support they provide, sometimes without even realising it. Now I feel it’s time to give back to the charity so that they can reach further to support the lives of other individuals with neuromuscular conditions.”

MD Support Centre was established in 2012 and is one of only two charities nationwide providing lifelong, regular physical therapies for adults with incurable progressive muscle-wasting conditions. 

Based at Coventry’s Westwood Business Park, the charity also runs satellite clinics in Birmingham, Leicester, Tipton, Droitwich Spa and Daventry, alongside providing a community of friendship and peer support for service users, their carers and families.

As a physiotherapist for MD Support Centre, Lynn is part of a specialist team helping those living with MD conditions in the Midlands to maintain their health and wellbeing.

Describing herself as ‘not (yet) a cyclist!’ she said: “Our service users are inspiring individuals who face daily challenges doing the things most of us take for granted. They are an absolute pleasure to work with and now it's my turn to take on a challenge and give something back.”

MD Support Centre CEO Sarah meanwhile is a former cyclist who is now dusting off her bike to likewise take on the fundraising ride, explaining: “When I heard that fabulous service user Donna was going to be taking on this challenge, it sparked a memory of that bike locked away upstairs. And I thought it's a fantastic thing to do, and if Donna can do it, I should do it too!”

The charity ride trio will pedal more than 300 miles with Discover Adventure over four days, starting from London on Wednesday 10 September 2025 and finishing beneath the Eiffel Tower, with each rider hoping to raise more than £2,000 for MD Support Centre.

Sarah added: “I’m incredibly passionate about what we do and the difference we make. I felt this challenge was a great way to contribute. The journey ahead is daunting, but I'm excited and determined to train seriously. I also want to encourage others to get involved, whether by sponsoring or participating in events leading up to the ride. We're hoping to create a sense of community and excitement to keep us all motivated, and I'd love to see others join us in any way they can.”

Support the team at From London to Paris: Cycling 335 miles to support MD Support Centre (www.mdsupportcentre.org/london-to-paris-bike-ride) or find out more about the charity’s services for patients and carers at: www.mdsupportcentre.org