Why Sandy Stirling Blows Our Mind

THIS GUY.

Sandy Stirling.

The world simply needs more people like him. And this is why…

Sandy’s dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2016 and tragically lost his battle with this horrifically cruel, life-shortening disease on March 9, 2019.

Inspired by Rob Wainwright and Ewan Dowes, who had undertaken cycling challenges for the Motor Neurone Disease fundraising initiatives My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and MNDA for Rob Burrows, Sandy decided to do a 12-hour cycle ride around Dubai’s Al Qudra cycle track as a tribute to the memory of his wonderful father on the first anniversary of his death.

Following the success of his first cycle challenge, Sandy decided to take it one step further, creating a global event to help raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease and, in 2021, MND24 was born. A physical challenge open to individuals and teams to take part in their chosen sport or activity anywhere in the world for a total of 24 hours, MND24’s mission is to support cutting-edge research and care for those living with MND, with the ultimate goal of helping to find a cure for the currently incurable Motor Neurone Disease.

At 6pm on Friday, March 11, 2022, under the watchful eye of his endurance coach and fitness mentor, David LaBouchere, Sandy and his dedicated MND24 Cycle Team of Nick Glover, Derek Gamblin, Steven Little and Rich Semple set off on the first MND24 24-Hour Cycle Challenge around Al Qudra cycle track.

Joined along the way by over 200 others on two wheels helping to raise awareness for MND, battling temperatures of an unbearable 44 degrees for more than three hours of the challenge, mechanical hiccups and extreme fatigue, Sandy and his team finally completed their challenge at 6pm on Saturday, March 12 after clocking up an incredible 583km.

Cycling consistently for 24 hours, watching Sandy and his unstoppable MND24 team ride over the finish line – with Sandy’s young son Angus helping him through those last few metres on his own little bike – was a moment of SUCH unbridled elation and emotion, absolutely NO-ONE could hold back the tears.

It was an absolute honour and a privilege for the Matthews Southwest team of Steven Coates, James Burlumi and Lucy Wildman to join Sandy for just a few of those 24 hours cycling around Al Qudra, supporting his incredible efforts with MND24 and raising awareness about Motor Neurone Disease. It's a day we will never forget.

Showing unbelievable dedication, determination and sheer GRIT, what Sandy achieved on Saturday is nothing short of spectacular, and all of us at Matthews Southwest are truly honoured to call this incredible human being our friend. A real-life Superman, Sandy and his team at MND24 make the world a better place. And we’ll be with you all the way for as long as it takes. Sandy Stirling - a true legend in blue Lycra.

Www.mnd24.com

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