In June 2023, Scott Mitchell, 46, from Endmoor, embarked on an eight-day cycling challenge across England to raise awareness for muscle-wasting conditions. Although he didn’t reach all 48 counties, Scott successfully visited 43 counties, earning him the Guinness World Record title for the most UK counties visited by bicycle in one week.
Scott’s inspiration for the challenge came from his 23-year-old son, Alex, who has been living with Becker muscular dystrophy since he was 14. Through his “Cycle the Nation” charity challenge, Scott raised £7,276 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The challenge began in Cornwall and concluded in Newcastle, covering approximately 1,100 miles. Explaining his motivation, Scott said, “I’m doing this for my son Alex. He has lived with Becker muscular dystrophy since he was 14 and I hope that my fundraising will help Muscular Dystrophy UK to fund more research into the condition and that one day there will be a cure.”
Scott has been an active fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy UK since his son’s diagnosis nine years ago. His efforts include participating in the London Marathon, a Quadrathlon, and various cycling challenges. “More than anything, I need the world to see what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and to spread the word,” Scott emphasized.
Scott aims to highlight the lack of a cure for Becker muscular dystrophy. “For Alex, the basics are hard: getting out of bed, getting from room to room; but it affects him mentally as well as physically. The progression of his condition is becoming increasingly obvious and impacts every aspect of his life, which is heartbreaking to watch as a parent.”
Receiving the world record title was “amazing,” Scott said, but he views it as “just the start” and plans to undertake a bigger challenge in 2025.
Susanne Driffield, Regional Development Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, expressed her admiration for Scott’s achievements. “I’m thrilled that Scott has got this recognition from Guinness World Records for his challenge. He has raised so much money for us over the years and we really can’t thank him enough. But it’s not just about the fundraising; he has also helped to raise awareness of Becker muscular dystrophy by talking about his family’s experiences and documenting his cycling adventures online.”
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