JOHN Halford has taken part in the Dwellingup 100 for the past two years and this year gets the chance to ride for someone who can’t.
The Greenfields resident found out on Monday he will take on the 40-kilometre track for Dylan, a 17-year-old who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Western Australia in process.
But it was a story about the disease which hit home for Mr Halford and encouraged him to take part in the Ride For Someone Who Can’t initiative.
“Conor Murphy and Kyle Scolari who had muscular dystrophy, passed away not that long ago and while I didn’t know them, the story still hit home,” he said.
Mr Murphy and Mr Scolari passed away in July after to a power blackout caused their breathing machines to lose power.
The roommates played a significant part in the Ride For Someone Who Can’t program previously, with riders fundraising for the duo as well as attending each race day.
Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular, genetic disorder which results in the progressive deterioration of muscle strength and function.
There are in excess of 70 types of muscular dystrophy affecting more than 20,000 Australians.
This year the Ride For Someone Who Can’t initiative will see 40 riders at the Dwellingup 100 track riding for 40 Western Australians living with the disease.
“You hear of muscular dystrophy but I guess you never know what it involves,” Mr Halford said.
“But it’s great that the Dwellingup 100 promotes it.
“Not only can you ride for the charity but they also have the option to donate to it when you register.”
Since 2010 more than $360,000 has been raised through the Ride For Someone Who Can’t campaign.
This year the Muscular Dystrophy WA team is aiming to raise $110,000 to support people living with the condition, for research and for community services.
“The recent and untimely deaths of two young men with muscular dystrophy have highlighted the urgent need for improved services, vital research and targeted support,” Muscular Dystrophy WA chief executive John Gummer said.
“We simply cannot provide these necessities without funds raised at events such as Ride For Someone Who Can’t at the Dwellingup 100.
“It requires the commitment of our riders and the generosity of the broader WA community.”
To donate to Mr Halford’s ride go to rideforsomeonewhocant2014.everydayhero.com/au/john-halford
