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Monday May 20, 2013

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Brave doctor and Motor Neurone Disease sufferer Ian Davis needs your help

Posted by: Ned Franklin | 16 January, 2013 - 9:03 AM
Cycle Duo

In September last year, Dr Ian Davis learned he would be facing the biggest challenge of his life - a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease.

The progressive neuro-degenerative disease attacks the nervous system and leads to the weakening and wasting of muscles, loss of mobility in the limbs and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

There is currently no effective treatment and Dr Davis has been told by doctors he has two to three years to live.

The doctor started his own beer last year - Cavalier Courage to raise money for MND research.

He has now joined forces with fellow MND sufferer, Scott Sullivan, to ride one million metres - 1000 kilometres - in tandem to raise money and awareness about the disease, but he needs your help first.

Davis and Sullivan require bike a tandem bike that allows Davis to use his arms and Sullivan to use his legs.

"Scott's motor neurone disease has affected his arms and mine is in my legs so we wouldn't be able to ride a bike independently ourselves.  But if you put two of us together we are like one whole man who can power a bike," Davis told Justin Smith.

"What we are looking for is a recumbent tandem bike with a hand steering mechanism and hand cycle for me and in the back a leg cycle for Scott to power the vehicle with his legs."

Dr Davis provided a photo below, saying the bike would look similar to this contraption.

Image

Dr Davis admitted his physical condition is slowly worsening but his resolve remains steadfast.

"It's a day to day gradual weakness that grows.  My left leg below the knee is completely paralyzed and I'm starting to get weakness on the thighs and in my left arm," he said.

"But while I can still physically do things I'm determined to be as active as I can.

"This disease has a tendency to make me feel very alone at times and sometimes it is very hard to come out of those periods but the kindness I'm receiving from strangers is just amazing."

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LISTEN: Dr Ian Davis speaks with Justin Smith

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Blog comments Your Say

  • i too have MND but only 9 months ago found out, so early days...onyas guys my prayers surround you, especially with your fundraising beer

    Herbhert Glewnnon Sunday 28 April, 2013 - 1:02 PM

  • You guys are an absolute inspiration.Makes Lance Armstrong look even more pathetic. The world needs more people like you for your inspiration.Good luck guys and you are in our thoughts.

    Brian Schaffer Friday 18 January, 2013 - 10:56 PM

  • hi, i to have mnd, like scott my hands arms & neck are week but my legs are still strong , add an other pusher bike to this & i will be there to help

    peter hetherington Wednesday 16 January, 2013 - 8:26 PM

  • Dr Dr. Davis. I have Motor Neuron too and just to let you know I am watching all that you do. Keep going. Very proud of you
    Debbie

    Debbie Wednesday 16 January, 2013 - 3:13 PM

  • Hi there, I called earlier to donate a HAND CYCLE for the doctor who is going to raise money for the MND charity.
    I would like to contact the doctor direct to deliver the bike TODAY.
    OR can you please pass on my details?
    Anthony Wake
    0417584988.

    Cheers.

    Anthony Wake Wednesday 16 January, 2013 - 11:11 AM

  • Dr Davis need to talk to Mr. Ian Sims at Greenspeed up in Knox.

    http://www.greenspeed.com.au/

    Shane Rogers Wednesday 16 January, 2013 - 11:04 AM

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