British Red Cross Assistant Tony, 47, was determined to improve the strength he lost in his legs and core during lockdown.
Inspired by Captain Tom, he cycled 25 minutes a day for four days to achieve his indoor exercise challenge. He loved the feeling of getting stronger and of supporting Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) at the same time.
He said: “I am waiting for hydro-therapy to become open and available again and in the meantime I’m building this strength back up through exercise at home.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on charities with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in income.
At a time when vulnerable members of society need them most, charities have had to cut services, furlough staff and some have even shut them down.
“Captain Tom stepped up to help, taking on his famous walk to support the NHS COVID-19 appeal and inspiring millions to donate to the cause. I chose to cycle 100 minutes to celebrate his amazing spirit.
“I am doing my Captain Tom 100 for MDUK because the charity has supported me extensively this year, by advising me on facilities that are available to me for adaptations to my home. They have also helped to arrange an assessment by occupational therapists for my home to be adapted.
Emma Watkins, MDUK Product Development Executive, said: “Thank you Tony for your Captain Tom 100 challenge – and fundraising for MDUK. We hope it will inspire others to take on their own Captain Tom 100.”
Tony was born in Manchester, the youngest of five children. He was able to climb trees, play football, ride his BMX and do other activities just like the other children when he was young but he always had severe muscle cramps that were very painful:
“I thought everyone had the same cramp pains, so I never questioned it.”
Aged 13, he had to stop doing cross-country running in school PE because his legs cramped up.
“I actually could walk ok but was just not as strong or as fast as others at sports.”
At the age of 21, he started to have problems walking up stairs but it was not noticeable until 2008, when people started to comment.
“I also started to have random falls at that time. Finally, I was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy in 2008.
Ten years later, after getting married, starting a family and buying a house, he started to come to terms with his diagnosis.
“I decided to visit the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford in Cheshire, and started to volunteer and get involved. I also did 12 weeks of tough physio training to help maintain the muscles in my legs and body.”
It was going well until August 2020, when he had a fall and broke the humerus bone in his arm.
“This caused balance issues for me, which meant I could not walk for at least six weeks and was in a wheelchair. The restrictions to exercise during lockdown mean I am still in the wheelchair eight months later.”
You can support Tony’s Captain Tom 100 challenge here
