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Paddle power will cash for Muscular Dystrophy

Jan 31 2010 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

There are 77 locks along the 125-mile route, which sees the crews paddle up the Avon and Kennet Canal and River Thames through Hungerford, Newbury, Reading and Windsor en route to London.

And the locks, where the water levels change, are the only “pit stops” the duo will have, when they get out and take their kayak to the other side to continue on.

At each one, they will have around a minute to stretch their legs and have food and drink.

The event, which first became a competitive race in the 1940s, is the most demanding event for most competitors.

But it will all be worth it for Chris and Alasdair, who will see any cash raised ploughed straight into his work. Alasdair works as a PhD student at the Centre for Life, where Professor Kate Bushby and her colleagues are leading a two-year project looking at the underlying cause of the muscle-wasting conditions.

He added: “We are hoping doing this crazy feat will help attract some publicity, and the money can positively influence the day-to-day care of the people affected by the disease.”

To sponsor the pair, visit www.justgiving.com/125miles.

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