Viet trek to recycle funds for research

By Jim Mynard
BERWICK resident Wayne Nelson will be one of 30 people from across Victoria to cycle through Vietnam to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
The ride, ChallengeMD!, involves a 13day journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Riders will tackle 547 kilometres of rugged mountain, coastal terrain, dense jungle and even Vietnam’s barely inhabited central highlands region.”
MDA executive director Boris M. Struk said the challenge couldn’t be easy because the team wanted to raise awareness of the difficulties people with muscular dystrophy and their families faced each every day.
“With each rider raising a minimum of $5000 to qualify we are also raising a lot of money for MD research and support.”
Mr Nelson has joined ChallengeMD! to support his nephew Ben, who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy a year ago.
He said talks with Ben’s family and learning about a lack of funding and awareness in our community for MD he was more than willing to participate in ChallengeMD!
“My aim is to raise significant resources through fundraising and sponsorship to promote awareness of MD to assist with research and finally a cure.
“MD is a devastating, progressive muscle destroying disorder that affects one in 1000 Australians.
“The severest form, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, sees children just walking at age five, reliant on a wheelchair by age eight and due to the muscle destruction they are reliant on a ventilator to breathe in their early 20s.
“Very few survive beyond their early to mid 20s. The MDA provides support and respite services, facilitation and financial support for research and to increase public awareness and acceptance of neuromuscular disorders, to improve the quality of life for the MD community.”
ChallengeMD! runs from Saturday 1 April to Thursday 13 April.
People can help Mr Nelson make a difference by supporting is campaign. Further information about how you can support the MDA through ChallengeMD! or to sponsor one of the riders visit www.challengemd.org or call the MDA on 9320 9555.