Hannah Black and Nick Best are taking on Pedal Paddle Peak – Snowdon, which involves a 24-mile cycle, climbing to the peak of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), and a 2.5-mile kayak. The couple are doing the challenge in support of their two sons, Logan, 10, and Albie, 6, who live with Becker muscular dystrophy. Hannah explains why they’re taking on this challenge.
A challenge for our boys: Couple take on Pedal Paddle Peak for sons living with Becker muscular dystrophy
Fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK and raising awareness of muscle wasting conditions is particularly important to me as my brother, Danny, lives with Becker muscular dystrophy, as well as my two sons. Despite having muscular dystrophy in my family, I still wasn’t aware of the number of different conditions and that symptoms can vary and occur at different ages. Both my brother and grandad showed signs later in life so, even though I knew I was a carrier, it came as a real shock to us when Logan and Albie were diagnosed so young.
Logan was four years’ old when he was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy. I remember he returned to school just after recovering from the flu, and a teacher noticed his foot starting to contract. We took him straight to the GP, but they didn’t think it was anything to worry about. Due to my family history, I pushed for a second opinion, but it took a while. Eventually, we were referred to Salisbury Hospital for some tests. That same day, we received the news that Logan had Becker muscular dystrophy.
Logan is a smart, sensitive, cheeky little boy, who loves judo, swimming and riding his bike.
“He’s very open about his condition and seems to take it all in his stride.”
He has daily stretches to do, at home and at school, but he currently keeps up with his peers. However, he does tire easily and what people don’t see is the tiredness at home. It’s almost like an invisible condition to many people, which is one of the reasons I think it’s so important to raise awareness.
At the time of Logan’s diagnosis, his younger brother, Albie was six months’ old. From an early age, Albie was diagnosed with non-verbal autism. During a brain scan last year, he was also tested for muscular dystrophy and that’s when we found out they were both living with Becker. We know Albie’s journey will be very different to his brother’s. It will be more challenging.
Nick and I taking on Pedal Paddle Peak – Snowdon for Muscular Dystrophy UK is our way of supporting our two sons as well as everyone else living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition.
We’ve always wanted to do something for the charity, but just weren’t sure what. Then we saw Pedal Paddle Peak – Snowdon and thought ‘let’s do it’. We love Wales and it’s a special place for us as we went there on holiday not long after Albie was diagnosed, so it felt like a sign. It’s been hard training during the school summer holidays, but we’ve been out walking the dogs and cycling, and I’m sure the adrenaline will kick in on the day!
I can’t wait to do it now. I’m looking forward to meeting the other people taking part and hearing their stories. It’s going to be an emotional day, I’m sure.
Support Hannah and Nick’s Pedal Paddle Peak fundraising
By supporting their efforts, you’ll be contributing to crucial research and support services for individuals living with muscle wasting conditions.
Inspired by Hannah’s story?
Find out about next year’s Pedal Paddle Peak – Lake District and Snowdon, as well as other upcoming challenges.
