A Croydon man has enlisted his old university friends to take on a mammoth cycling challenge this summer to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, travelling over 700 miles in 21 days.

On 9th August, Terry Packham and his friends Garry Hill and Jack Forrest-Charde will start their challenge in Barcelona from where they will cycle to reach Rome three weeks later. They will travel through southern Europe calling at many famous locations along the way, including Marseille and Monaco. Although they have had to timetable in a couple of train journeys to give their legs a brief rest the team will be cycling an average of 35 miles a day.

The group were inspired to embark on the gruelling challenge by Terry’s dad, who has the muscle-wasting disease, muscular dystrophy.

Speaking about his charity work, Terry said: “I ran the London marathon for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign back in 2007 and felt it was time to take on a new challenge and raise money to support all the vital work that the charity does. I’m really excited about the trip and can’t wait to get going!”

Volunteer Fundraising Manager for the South East Sarah Jenner said: “It’s great that Terry and his friends are taking on this amazing challenge to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. I am sure they will have a fantastic three weeks and wish them all the best of luck. The charity is incredibly grateful for their support.”

To support Terry, Garry and Jack visit their Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/Terry-Packham. To take on a challenge for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign this summer contact Sarah at s.jenner@muscular-dystrophy.org for details of all the events happening in the South East.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the leading UK charity focusing on muscle-wasting disease. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for more than 50 years, and is dedicated to improving the lives of all children and adults affected by muscle disease.

We fund world-class research to find effective treatments and cures; provide practical information, advice and emotional support for individuals, their families and carers; campaign to raise awareness and bring about change; award grants towards the cost of specialist equipment; and provide specialist education and development for health professionals.

Based on information supplied by Sarah Jenner.