Matt Warner has always been a keen online gamer, but he took his passion for racing simulation games to a new level when he got together with three others to fundraise for Muscular Dystrophy UK during a 24-hour team sim racing event. Matt tells us why him and his team ‘Wabbit Wacing’ chose to get involved in memory of his dad, Jeff.
Online Sim Racing fundraiser in memory of dad

I’ve always wanted to do something like this, so it was great to be able to do the first ever PCA Sim Racing 24-hour endurance race at the legendary Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans and support Muscular Dystrophy UK at the same time. I was joined by three fellow Porsche sim racing enthusiasts – Adrian from Edinburgh and Austin and Thomas from the USA, and together we raised £1,500.
My dad, Jeff, lived with Becker muscular dystrophy and died in 2011. Adrian, Austin, Thomas and I are all part of a league and when we got together and decided to do this 24-hour endurance sim race for charity, I suggested doing it for Muscular Dystrophy UK. When I explained that this was due to my dad living with Becker muscular dystrophy and that I wanted to do it in his memory, the guys all agreed this was a cause to get behind and raise as much as we can to help fund research into muscle wasting conditions.
Growing up, I remember my dad struggling with stairs and being in a wheelchair for the last 20 years of his life, but what I really remember him for is his humour, intelligence and love of sports.

Dad was very smart, had a keen interest in history and loved quiz shows like ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ Whenever we watched it, he always knew all the answers. He also enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Leicester City fan, which did cause a few disagreements at home as I support Leeds United! I remember his humour and that he never wanted his condition to stop him doing things.
As a team, ‘Wabbit Wacing’ managed to raise so much – before, during and after the 24-hour live broadcast event – thanks to the generosity of friends, family and colleagues. I was lucky that my teammate, Austin, did a lot of the planning and Adrian’s employer got behind us by offering £500 match funding, but I’d do it again and recommend it to anyone. It’s an easy way to support a cause you believe in and have fun at the same time.

Like a board game night? Or perhaps you love streaming on twitch? From Monopoly to Mario Kart, join the fun and get your Game On for muscle wasting conditions.