Team Ugly take on Texas Fundraising Charity Challenge
Team Ugly take on Texas Fundraising Charity Challenge
Glyn Durrant
Team Ugly take on Texas Fundraising Charity Challenge
Team Ugly is a team of cyclists who are raising money for Multiple Sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS. The team is led by Chris and Natalie Mathews, parents of Kristin Durrant, who has been living with MS for the past 11 years. On the 2nd and 3rd of May 2015, Team Ugly will be cycling in Texas in the MS 150 ride.
The charity ride is expected to draw some 3,000 participants who will cover 86 miles on the first day and 74 miles on the second. Although Kristin’s father has been riding the MS 150 for the last 21 years, and her mother for the last 12 years, Team Ugly only took on their name two years ago when one of the team members (having done very little training) said, “This weekend could be ugly.” The name stuck and the team made an impression, being voted Best Rookie Team of 2014! A new addition to the team for 2015 is Kristin’s 10 year old nephew, Ryan, who will be riding the 5 mile event at the Texas Motor Speedway.
Team Ugly ride for all those individuals suffering from MS, but especially for Kristin Durrant, who has contributed a lot of work and effort into the successful running of the Surrey League over the years.
Up until last year Kristin has kept herself very involved in the Surrey League, despite living with MS for the last 11 years. Riders have grown accustomed to seeing her helping out wherever necessary, including judging, as a commissaire, processing membership cards and helping with the League’s accounts.
Kristin is still very involved, but can no longer use a computer or see well enough to judge or commissaire. She still loves to attend events and talk with riders and helpers. She also gives her husband, Glyn, the moral support he needs to run the Surrey League.
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable disease, which affects the central nervous system. Communication within the brain and between the brain and the body is impaired, which results in a wide range of symptoms, from numbness or tingling to impaired vision or even paralysis. Symptoms can vary from one day to the next, making for a life characterised by uncertainty. Fundraising events like the MS 150 aim to help fund the research needed to treat MS and ultimately eradicate the disease.
Along with the many people who have kindly donated to the cause, there have been a few people who have helped Team Ugly on their mission. Roger Morgan from designmyjersey.co.uk kindly donated his time to design the Team Ugly jersey. Steve Joughin from provisionclothing.com kindly produced and donated the jersies for Team Ugly. Team Ugly’s jersey displays both the GB and US flag, along with the GB and US MS logos.
If you would like to donate to Team Ugly’s campaign, you can do so by visiting the Team Ugly page.
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