A paramedic, who recorded a song in memory of NHS colleagues lost to Covid, has joined a 380-mile cycle ride to support a friend whose son has a rare genetic condition.

Grange-over-Sands couple David Webster, 53 and his wife Ruth, 51, head-teacher at St Paul’s Junior School, Barrow, will be part of the 17 strong Duchenne Research Relay peloton starting at Great Ormond Street Hospital on August 12.

The three-day relay is raising money to fund research into treatments and cures for the muscle-wasting condition, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The gruelling challenge has been organised by Sam and Sue Taylor, from Crooklands, whose 12-year-old son Will was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was five.

"We take our inspiration from Will; his condition means that he finds physical activities incredibly difficult, but he is always really determined to be part of whatever is going on," said Mr Taylor.

"He will be on the support team for the Duchenne Research Relay, making sure everyone is on-track, well fed, and entertained!

“The research that is happening in the UK right now to find a treatment for Duchenne is at a critical stage, but it relies entirely on donations and fundraising. With this challenge, we want to raise awareness of the incredibly important work that is happening within the UK neuromuscular centres. The work that they are doing gives us, and other families living with Duchenne, real hope for the future.”

It is the latest challenge from the fundraising parents, who have managed to raise more than £150,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK over the last seven years.

“We know Will and the family as a result of joining in previous challenges,” said Mr Webster.

“We are good friends with Sue’s sister’s family and thought it would be a good way to support them and keep fit. "

Mr Webster has completed several mountain bike events including the citizen’s event at the mountain bike world cup.

And Mrs Webster is normally found rowing in a quad on Lake Windermere.

They have both completed the tour de Yorkshire public event on our bikes.

Mr Webster added: “We are looking forward to spending three days with an amazing group of people of all ages and backgrounds who have one thing in common, we are all prepared to put in a bit of physical effort to support Will and his family raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and some money to support the researchers.”