David's diary - Why am I cycling from London to Paris?

MS Trust CEO David Martin* is preparing to take on the iconic London to Paris cycle ride this July, in aid of the MS Trust. In his latest diary excerpt he explains what’s motivating him to take on this colossal challenge.

Why am I bothering to cycle over 300 miles from London to Paris for charity next month, when it would be far easier to sponsor someone younger to do it instead?

That very thought crossed my mind at the weekend when I was riding 52 sweaty miles on a very hot day. It was tough.

It all felt like a good idea back in November, with my mates at my local pub. Despite all the beer bravado at the time, the others have all dropped out along the way, leaving me as the last man cycling.

On reflection, there are four real reasons why I am doing this four day ride:

1. Because I can. I am already the wrong side of 60. And I have a false knee which is not going to last for ever. But I am (almost) fit enough to complete a ride to Paris with enough training. And I know I will cycle more miles in the summer if I have a challenge ahead of me.
2. To show my fundraising team that I am shoulder to shoulder with them. We don’t receive a penny from the Government or the NHS so we can only do what we do thanks to people’s generosity. Our fundraisers make that magic happen. But it’s not easy, especially now with everything that’s going on in the world. So, some of my miles are to show them how much I appreciate them going the extra mile too.
3. Multiple sclerosis services in the NHS are overstretched. That means many people who live with MS are not getting the support they so desperately need. My ride isn’t going to fundamentally change that, it’s a small gesture. But ultimately, if I can raise a few thousand pounds, that might help to fund an additional MS nurse. While I, continue to influence the state of national funding through my work on the board of the Neuro Alliance.
4. To raise the profile of multiple sclerosis and fly the flag for the MS Trust.

In the dark days of winter, the fundraising was hard. But slowly and surely, friends and colleagues have come good. Really good. To the point where I have got slightly embarrassed by their generosity. I have been supported directly and indirectly by almost 200 people. That is very humbling. Their sponsorship will be my rocket fuel.

I know on the four day ride I will get very hot and very tired. But after four days, that will stop. For people living with MS, many of them live with fatigue every single day, while many also struggle with heat whether it’s hot or cold outside.  

My hardship will be temporary. And I know it will be eased by the fact that I, along with those 200 or so supporters, will be making a real difference together on the four days in July.

*David Martin retired as CEO of the MS Trust in March 2024.