Gloucester Rugby players cycling 350 miles for MND

In a remarkable display of solidarity, professional rugby players from Gloucester Rugby are embarking on a 24-hour cycling challenge to cover 350 miles (563.27 km) in a bid to raise awareness for motor neurone disease (MND). The initiative, which commenced at Kingsholm Stadium at 08:00 BST on Monday, features Gloucester Rugby legend Billy Twelvetrees among the participants, who aim to complete the journey within a day. MND is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe physical limitations and, currently, no known cure. Twelvetrees expressed the emotional impact of the disease, particularly after hearing about the struggles faced by a friend, Ed, stating, "It really hit my wife and I as soon as we heard about Ed's terrible news." His commitment to the cause reflects a broader desire among teammates to support one another in times of need. The cycling team includes former players such as Lewis Ludlow, Jim Hamilton, and Fraser Balmain, who will join Twelvetrees for various segments of the ride. Their route includes a stop at Twickenham Stadium, with a detour through Milton Keynes RFC before returning to Gloucester. Notably, former player Mr. Slater, who now relies on a powered wheelchair and speech recognition software due to MND, has inspired his friends to continue advocating for the disease. Ludlow emphasized the importance of raising awareness, stating he has "taken on the mantle" to honor their shared experiences, despite his own physical challenges.