2 Oct 2020 Care

From Murrayfield to Twickenham, ex rugby player takes to the saddle in an awe-inspiring challenge

Riding over 420 miles on an indoor bike is a challenge that would test the limits of any cyclist, but for Kevin Rimmington from Denby Dale, this will be a journey full of determination and courage.

A keen sportsman and ex rugby union player, Kevin will begin his virtual cycling challenge on Thursday 1st October where he will attempt to ride 420.2 miles; the distance between two famous rugby grounds, Murrayfield in Edinburgh and Twickenham in London.

A test that would be demanding for the fittest of cyclists, Kevin’s challenge is made all the more demanding due to his rare health condition. Diagnosed with respiratory on-set motor neuron disease (MND) in March 2020, Kevin, 59, will be completing the ride over the course of two months, with each mile raising much needed funds for The Kirkwood, as our teams are helping to support his quality of life.

After a 12 month battle with his health, Kevin was admitted to hospital at the start of the year where he, and his wife Ann, searched for a diagnosis. During this time, Kevin’s health deteriorated with the news of his life limiting condition coming as quite a shock.

Discharged from hospital prior to lockdown, Kevin was referred to the expert care of our Community Nursing Team, whose role it is to support Kevin through the next phase of his illness. Now in need of a ventilator to help manage his symptoms and additional support when walking through crutches and a frame, Kevin is determined to complete the challenge to say thank you for the support and care received.

A feat which cannot be under estimated, the cycle will be incredibly challenging for Kevin given that his respiratory conditions means he will be attached to a ventilator throughout.

Kevin’s wife, Ann, explains: “After months of Kevin battling with his health and searching for answers, we finally received the diagnosis we didn’t want to hear.

“Since coming home, the The Kirkwood nursing team have been a huge support to both of us. They have been truly amazing. The social workers are in touch with us on a weekly basis, along with the occupational therapists. Kevin and I both have counselling, with emotional and physical support available 24/7. Despite lockdown, the care we have received and support has been second to none, which is why Kevin is so passionate about doing something he loves, for a charity that means so much to him.”

Sport and exercise has always been a feature of Kevin’s life, which made this challenge a natural choice for him. The indoor bike ride will take place at Kevin’s home and has been made possible with the help of our Community Fundraiser, Joanna Doherty, and a local gym in Shepley.

Tom from Oragyms, Shepley kindly donating a static bike for Kevin's challenge

 

Ann continues: “Kevin is an ex rugby union player which gave us the Murrayfield to Twickenham idea. He played in Wales and is a massive England supporter, but also has Scottish roots too. We’re hoping to rally support from rugby union clubs to cheer Kevin on and give him the added motivation he’ll need to succeed.”

Joanna Doherty, added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure meeting Kevin and his wife, Ann, and hearing about his amazing fundraising plans.

“What Kevin is hoping to achieve is incredible and it’s been a privilege to support him with his challenge. Kevin is hoping to spread vital awareness about the many ways The Kirkwood support local people, and raising money for us is his way of saying thank you for the care he has experienced during the pandemic.”

Ann and Kevin will be publishing daily updates, with regular videos and pictures posted to ensure the local community and fellow rugby fans can support him through every mile. To find out more or make a donation, click here.

A Text to Donate number is also available. Text KEVIN plus the amount you’d like to donate (Eg KEVIN 10 to donate £10) to 70085.