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Dani Poulter, MDUK’s Digital Marketing Assistant, takes on grueling challenge for brother living with Duchenne

22 June 2022

MDUK’s very own Dani Poulter will be taking on the tough Pedal, Paddle, Peak challenge to raise £2,500 for her brother who lives with Duchenne.

Along with her three best friends, the team will tackle a 30-mile cycle through the hilly Lake District, followed by a 2-mile paddle and then climb England’s second highest peak at the event on 2 July 2022.

I’m so excited to be heading up to Penrith to take part in the Peddle Paddle Peak Challenge with my best friends, Emil, Lucy and Em. I’ve skydived to raise funds before and climbed a few mountains but have never done anything as grueling as this!

said Dani.

“By raising at least £2K, we can help fund research into better treatments and hopefully a cure for future generations with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.”

Dani’s older brother, John, is 32-years-old and lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He is reliant on a ventilator and a gastric tube and uses a wheelchair to get around.

“It’s such a critical time for people with muscle-wasting conditions. John has endured so many months of self-isolating, as he is clinically vulnerable, and there is still a lack of available carers owing to the pandemic and Brexit. It has really taken its toll on all of us and other families,” says Dani.

Dani is so passionate about raising awareness and improving the lives of people in John’s situation, she now works at MDUK as a Digital Marketing Assistant, motivating others to take on fundraising feats.

“Growing up, I’ve just always been fighting my brother’s corner. I always knew there was a need for better treatments, better accessibility and better support.“

“When, last year, I saw the job opportunity at MDUK, I was so excited at the prospect of being able to make a bigger difference. Everyone is so motivated to fight muscle-wasting conditions at MDUK, and it’s this passion that makes every day so exciting,” says Dani.

Kiera Santry, Senior Challenge Events Officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “We’re delighted that Dani and her team are taking on Pedal, Paddle Peak this July in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK and her brother, John. It is a huge challenge, and we applaud the group for their unwavering commitment to help beat muscle-wasting conditions.”

Since we first launched Pedal Paddle Peak in 2016, the event has raised over £300,000 to help beat muscle-wasting conditions. There are 130 participants taking part this year, including Dani and her team, and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way!

You can support Dani’s fundraiser here.

Find out more about the Pedal Paddle Peak Challenge.

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