IT takes someone who believes nothing is impossible, to inspire people who are facing physical challenges to push themselves to fulfil their dreams.

Alex Gibson is no ordinary man. He walks 14,000 steps every day, works out twice daily in his home gym and regularly completes 100- mile cycles.

Alex also has motor neurone disease.

After being diagnosed in 2018, a charity rugby match was held between two of his previous clubs, Brentwood RFC and Barking RFC, to raisemoney for Alex and his family. Alex was uncomfortable with this, and instead, wanted to use the money to set up a charity to help others.

So the charity Challenging MND, based in Billericay, was born and since then Alex has worked tirelessly, alongside his dedicated team of trustees, to help MND suffers to live life to the full and gain some amazing experiences.

Now they have extended their services to also include carers to help maximise their wellbeing.

 

Echo: Athlete - Alex has always excelled at sport and endurance.Athlete - Alex has always excelled at sport and endurance.

 

“We have achieved some amazing things over the past three years, and it has been incredible to see,” said Alex.

The activities individuals have had include adrenaline fuelled and intellectually stimulating activities such as bungee jumping, zip wire, abseiling, sky diving, swimming, cycling, treasure hunts and quizzes.

For those who have limited mobility they now have the chance to have incredible experiences through virtual reality.

Alex said: “My friend Natalie Shaw used to be an incredible skier. She had the chance to experience skiing again using the VR headset and she loved it! She said it felt like she was really there skiing.”

 

Echo: Virtual reality - Alex wearing one of the headsets.Virtual reality - Alex wearing one of the headsets.

 

Since being diagnosed Alex has walked the three peaks and cycling the 470 miles in between over the period of a week.

During the pedalo challenge he navigated the length of the Chelmer with Natalie Shaw.

He walked 100 miles in one weekend and cycled on a recumbent trike 70 miles to Guildford RFC and back the following day.

Alex’s next challenge is with ex-England Rugby International Andy Long, when they take on a Guinness World record Challenge to circumvent the Outer Hebrides in a Tandem bike. They are currently waiting from Channel 5 about this.

The next event is a hockey tournament on Saturday May 7. Go to buytickets.at/challengingmnd/657015.

To donate visit challengingmnd.org.