CALNE firefighter, Russell Crocker is gearing up to cycle 315 miles in four days to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
He will set off from London on the 19th July as part of the MND Association London 2 Paris Cycle challenge and is hoping to raise as much as he can for the charity.
His reasons for taking on the challenge are personal - his brother, Richard, was diagnosed with MND in 2020 after experiencing symptoms for over a year.
Motor neurone disease (MND) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time. There's no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person's daily life.
Russell said: "Since then, our world has been turned upside down and it's been an incredibly tough journey for all of us but, most of all, my brother.
"We've witnessed his extreme strength and courage (whilst maintaining his hilarious sense of humour) during his fight to adapt to everything thrown at him.
"By doing this bike ride, I'd like to raise funds, but more importantly, awareness."
Fundraising for Russell's MND donation has become a real family affair, in June his mum, Angela Crocker, held an afternoon tea event at her home, raffle tickets were sold by Russell's wife and daughter, Ana and Ameira with over £1000 raised on the day. Additionally, Russell's employers, Deceunink on Porte Marsh Industrial Estate in Calne have donated a generous £500.
Since signing up to the challenge, Russell has been training regularly and says he is looking forward to taking part. If you would like to donate to the cause you can do so by following this link:
Russell's London to Paris bike ride for Motor Neurone Disease Association
