Researchers are training to pass the baton for a cycle relay team riding 380 miles between the UK’s leading neuromuscular centres.

The team from the Muscular Dystrophy UK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre are preparing for the Duchenne Research Relay – a three-day ride from August 12-14.

The event is organised by the parents of 12-year-old Will Taylor from Cumbria, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to fundraise for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

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The relay will fund research into treatments and cures for the muscle-wasting condition, and is the latest challenge by Will’s dad, Sam Taylor, and his team, who have already raised over £100,000 for MDUK.

In 2015, the family did their first bike ride, cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End, raising over £25,000.

In 2017, they rode, swam and ran from coast to coast, east to west across the UK, raising £57,000.

Mr Taylor said: “We are very grateful to the Oxford Neuromuscular Centre for welcoming the team.

“It is a huge, huge challenge in anyone’s book. But it is very achievable in a group, with everyone on road bikes. It would be very difficult on mountain bikes. We should have the wind behind us this time!”

Prof Dame Kay Davies Co-Director, of MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre Department Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford said: “Congratulations to the Duchenne Research Relay team. The funding of research by MDUK over the last few decades is the reason we are so close to an effective treatment of DMD. Efforts such as those of the Relay Team today play an important and vital role in ensuring a better quality of life for DMD patients in the future.”

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Susanne Driffield, MDUK Regional Development Manager for the North of England and East Midlands, said: “Sam’s challenges are not for the fainthearted. These are gruelling events which require immense planning and training.

"Their efforts are reflected in the unbelievable amount their supporters have donated to MDUK.

“All the money raised will go directly to the MDUK Duchenne Breakthrough Research Fund, which funds pioneering research into treatments and cures for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

“Please support Sam’s team as they take on this incredible challenge, and donate if you can.”

The team will pass through Oxford on August 12, after cycling from Great Ormond Street Hospital and heading to Bromsgrove in Worcestershire – a distance of 130 miles.

Donate at justgiving.com/campaign/duchenneresearchrelay.