A physiotherapist from Leamington is getting set for a London to Paris cycle challenge with the aim of turning pedal power into pounds to help people with muscular dystrophy.

Lynn Ward's epic endurance ride in September 2025 aims to raise awareness and funds for MD Support Centre, which provides specialist physical therapies to help people across the Midlands with neuromuscular conditions to live stronger for longer.

Lynn is the charity's Co-Lead Physiotherapist and will be riding alongside MD Support Centre's chief executive Sarah Ann Moore and service user Donna Scarrott.

Describing herself as 'not (yet) a cyclist!', she said: "I may have run a few miles here and there over the years, but I have not cycled more than a couple of miles down to Parkrun, into town for a coffee or on family holidays laden with buckets and spades to the beach.

"This is going to change over the next few months, it's not going to be easy but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"It has been truly rewarding to have been a part of the Centre's growth over the past 12 years and to see first-hand the positive effect we have on our service users. They are inspiring individuals who face daily challenges doing the things most of us take for granted.

"They are an absolute pleasure to work with and now it's my turn to take on a challenge and give something back."

MD Support Centre was established in 2012 and is one of only two charities nationwide providing lifelong, regular physical therapies for adults with incurable progressive muscle-wasting conditions. 

Physiotherapist Lynn Ward (image supplied)

Located at Coventry's Westwood Business Park, the charity also runs satellite clinics in Birmingham, Leicester, Tipton, Droitwich Spa and Daventry, alongside providing a community of friendship and peer support for service users, their carers and families.

The charity ride trio will pedal more than 300 miles with Discover Adventure over four days, starting from London on Wednesday 10 September 2025 and finishing beneath the Eiffel Tower, with each rider hoping to raise more than £2,000 for MD Support Centre.

Donna, who lives in Redditch and receives regular physio and osteopathy to manage her condition thanks to the charity, said MD Support Centre had been the cornerstone of her recovery from major foot surgery. 

The charity also helps Donna to maintain her mobility and independence as her CMT progresses, so she is able to continue in the career she loves as an NHS nurse.

She added: "Their support has been invaluable not just to me but to other members of my family living with the same condition. It's not just the physical therapies - the staff themselves provide so much more.

"A friendly smile, a chat over a cup of tea as I discuss my worries, a hug when needed, and all the practical, emotional, and mental support they provide, sometimes without even realising it. Now I feel it's time to give back to the charity so that they can reach further to support the lives of other individuals with neuromuscular conditions."

MD Support Centre CEO Sarah is a former cyclist who is now dusting off her bike to likewise take on the fundraising ride, explaining: "When I heard that fabulous service user Donna was going to be taking on this challenge, it sparked a memory of that bike locked away upstairs.

"And I thought it's a fantastic thing to do, and if Donna can do it, I should do it too!

"I'm incredibly passionate about what we do and the difference we make. I felt this challenge was a great way to contribute. The journey ahead is daunting, but I'm excited and determined to train seriously.

"I also want to encourage others to get involved, whether by sponsoring or participating in events leading up to the ride. We're hoping to create a sense of community and excitement to keep us all motivated, and I'd love to see others join us in any way they can."

Support the riders at From London to Paris: Cycling 335 miles to support MD Support Centre here or find out more about the charity's services for patients and carers here.