Muscular Dystrophy UK: Former teacher from Arundel creates national charity challenge after muscular dystrophy changed his life

Andy Davies, 72, from Arundel has created Thames Source to Sea 2022, an 184-mile walk from the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in London, and alongside it, his son Luke will be running the 184 Challenge, a virtual community challenge for those who cannot make it to the banks of the River Thames.

Friends and family from Arundel have helped by carrying out recces along the Thames Path and many will act as stage champions on the route.

Planning began in 2019, when Andy was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, and at the time, he hoped to walk the whole route himself.

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Sadly, self-isolation during the pandemic saw Andy's condition worsen and he now uses a powerchair, so he will attempt only the final stage of the route.

Andy, who taught sociology and humanities at Felpham Community College before retiring, said: "I had always loved walking, running, cycling and being active, so after I was diagnosed, I thought the Thames Path would be an ideal flat trail for me to do in 2020.

"However, along came Covid-19 and, like many others with muscle-wasting conditions, my muscles deteriorated more significantly owing to reduced activity. Now, I can typically only walk on the flat for up to one mile without back-up from a powerchair, so the idea was born to make it a community event instead."