- In 2012 Scott Mitchell lost an incredible five stone in a fantastic effort to get fit and start fundraising for MDUK.
- His decision to change was in reaction to his father having two cardiac arrests.
- It was just before his own son Alex, was diagnosed with a muscle-wasting condition.
- He has since become a dedicated fundraiser, taking on multiple sporting challenges.
Scott Mitchell, 43, is joining his friend Sam Taylor’s Duchenne Research Relay ride between the UK’s four neuromuscular centres from 12–14 August. It is to support Sam's son Will who also has muscular dystrophy.
Starting in London, they will cycle in 12-13 hour days from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre and then to Alder Hey Hospital near Birmingham, before finishing at the Centre for Life in Newcastle.
Scott describes Sam Taylor who also lives in Cumbria as a close friend.
We have a mutual connection that has brought us together through unfortunate circumstances and we are doing our best to battle it head on.
Will Taylor was diagnosed when he was four years old. His father's network has already raised over £100,000 for the charity. This is the second time Scott has done one of Sam's incredible challenges. The first one was a quadrathlon which he in fact did twice!
I did it once with the whole crew over the original two days and then again with Sam and Pete Gallagher as Sam had missed out doing it the first time around due to having to provide the support for us all!
He's an amazing young man and my inspiration. He just gets on with it, despite his condition. As well as being a bright spark, he is an insanely talented pianist who was classically trained by a friend's mother. He's performed at a few venues for people, and in 2018 played at Hexham Abbey in a concert for MDUK. It was jaw-dropping, as were all of the performers. He's into gaming online, whether by himself or with his friends.
His mobility issues before going to Uni meant he didn’t move from his room much, but it was lovely to hear him chatting a lot of the day with friends online when they're playing online. He has also built himself a new PC, so his experience is now a lot better and smoother.
MDUK were extremely helpful and supportive during not only the time that Alex was diagnosed with Becker, but thereafter, when we were trying to work out what needs we had, what support we could receive and providing a reassuring experiences and guidance as to various aspects of day-to-day life that we would need to address.
Susanne Driffield, MDUK Regional Development Manager for the North of England and East Midlands said:
I met Scott at the last Where There’s a Will There’s a Way event and his enthusiasm is catching, he loves throwing himself into a challenge and gives it 100%! He is a fantastic supporter of MDUK and I really appreciate his efforts.
Why not support Scott in the Duchenne Research Relay. Read more about it here.