Introducing Tom Chambers - Cyclist

Who are you ( name, age, where you come from)

Tom Chambers, 54, originally from Bo’ness but now live in Dalkeith.

What is your background?

I have done many things in my 54 years: Project Management, Major Event Delivery (Glasgow 2014 and European Aquatics Champs 2016), Management consulting and working in the Drinks Industry, to name a few. Currently I work bringing joy to families through celebrating the Elders in their lives. Capturing stories to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.

I Was a Director of British Triathlon for 6 years and President of TriathlonScotland for a few years. I also delivered the World Duathlon Championships in Edinburgh in 2010.

Why did you want to get involved in this challenge?

I was support crew for the Lasswade team at last year's Doddie Cup Ride and was inspired by the teams' effort in cycling from Cardiff to Edinburgh in 3 days. So when asked if I fancied getting involved in this challenge, I didn’t need much persuasion (This time, I’m cycling).

How long have you been cycling?

I cycled for many years when competing in triathlons, but until March last year, I had not been on my bike for about 8 years. Since March, I have been steadily building the miles and have found my love of cycling rekindled.

What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of the trip?

There will be lots of challenging aspects, physically it is very demanding, having to do three or four stints a day over 9 days. But I think mentally it will be extremely tough, as we get tired from cycling, staying focused will be a challenge, meeting all the fantastic supporters on route will help manage this, but also seeing first-hand the impact MND has on people will have an impact emotionally.

How important is it that we keep Doddie's memory alive?

Hugely, he was extremely brave in going public with his diagnosis, and he has helped raise awareness of a disease that impacts 1 in every 300. Before he and others like Rob Burrows were so public, we never knew about MND. His impact just by speaking about MND and encouraging others to discuss the challenges not only for those with the disease but also in the lack of research has been massive.

How important is it that we continue to raise funds for the MND Foundation?

The only way that a cure can be found is for funding to be provided to support research into treatments and, eventually, a cure. Every little bit helps, and with the Foundation already allocating £11m in grants for research, it is starting to have a significant impact. We need to continue to raise funds, build a community that supports those impacted by MND and also have some fun along the way.

What has been the most inspirational aspect of this challenge so far for you?

I was fortunate enough to visit Prof Tom Gilingwater at Edinburgh University recently with a few of the team doing the challenge. We got to hear about the history of how little was known or being done on MND treatments until Doddie started probing. We heard about the different types of work being done in the research labs at Edinburgh Uni and Worldwide, the progress being made, and we got to spend some time in the labs hearing directly from the teams working hard to find treatments and a cure. It was so humbling to see what they are doing and to hear how every £ raised enables them to continue the research and that trials are already underway to help find a treatment. It hit home how important people, like us doing challenges like this and being supported by everyone in raising funds, is to make progress toward a cure.

What, ultimately, do you want to come out of this?

For more people to be aware of MND, the need to boost funding for research and to have an experience that I will never forget.