In the run up to the Dash, each month we will speak to a past Dasher, Ride Captain or member of the support team and glean some helpful and inspiring hints and tips to help you in your training and fundraising.
These are their stories.
We caught up with veteran dasher, Alex Matheson, to hear about why he’s ridden in 10 dashes and to get his hot tips for fundraising and training.
Beccy Davies first heard about the Duchenne Dash after her son Archie was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2017. Once her family rode the Dash in 2018, she realised she wanted to get involved so signed up to be a support volunteer and hasn’t looked back since.
Ben Griffiths rode the Dash in 2017, joining as part of Foodbuy’s sponsor team. He’s been involved with the Dash every year since by volunteering as a member of the support team.
Ian Playford first heard about the Dash from fellow Dasher and neighbour, Richard Parton, and after a few beers decided to sign up for the race. He’s been involved with the Dash ever since.
Imogen Buxton first heard about the Duchenne Dash through her employer, LXA, a long-standing supporter of Duchenne UK.
After fundraising for us and meeting parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, she decided to get on the saddle and cycle the Duchenne Dash.
The took part in 2022, and enjoyed it so much that she did it again in 2023.
Jennifer Carmichael rode her first Duchenne Dash in 2023, but she says it won’t be her last.
She decided to ride for Jamie Latham, who is ten years old and has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Oli Cock took part in his first Dash back in 2016. Since then, he’s taken part every year, including the 2020 Dash AT HOME and the 2021 Goodwood Dash, and will be riding his 7th Dash this year.
Pete Williams is a veteran Duchenne dasher who has ridden for over 10 years. Pete shares his highs from past years, and some handy tips that will help you prepare for the Dash.
Richard Clark first heard about the Dash from his neighbourhood bike shop which just happens to be Dash sponsor, Pearson’s. After becoming friends with veteran dashers, Will and Jud Pearson, and hearing about Duchenne UK and our work, he was sold.
He has ridden in the Dash every year since he first took part.
Since Richard Parton became involved with the Dash in 2017, he has brought a team along with him each year. He has introduced 65 people to the Dash and between them they have cycled thousands of miles and raised tons of money to help end Duchenne, and Richard has also provided support from LXA for the Dash for free.
Robin Strong first heard about the Duchenne Dash when riding with a group of cyclists from Wimbledon, one being Ride Captain Will Pearson, who asked Robin to be a Ride Captain in 2017.
He’s taken part in the Dash every year since.
Sophie Turner will be embarking in her third Duchenne Dash in 2024. While her training is in full swing, we caught up with her to find out why she will be riding for Duchenne once again.