A man whose father has been hit with a chronic autoimmune disorder is doing a series of gruelling challenges – including a 100-mile bike ride via sports stadiums – to raise money for charity.
Glen Hartley’s dad, Paul, has been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) that causes muscle weakness and has left him unable to talk.
The pair used to enjoy their trips to arenas around the country so now Glen, 33, is undertaking punishing physical feats to raise funds for Myaware, a charity that supports sufferers.
The 33-year-old will set off from its headquarters in Derby on August 1 and head home to Hull stopping at the stadiums of Derby County, Mansfield Town, Gainsborough Trinity, Scunthorpe United, Hull City and Hull Seahawks.
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Glen, an IT project co-ordinator, said: “We’ve loved visiting stadiums across the UK over the years.
“I’ve asked the mascots of each team to be there for each checkpoint. It will provide a moral boost for each part of the journey.
“Having my favourite Ice Hockey teams mascot, Sammy of Hull Seahawks, at the finish line will be fantastic.” Glen will start at 8am and aims to finish around 7.30pm at the Hull Ice Arena.
He has vowed to spend 2025 carrying out strenuous and demanding activities, so far raising over £1,400 for the MG charity.
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In February, Glen completed the Snake Lane 10-Mile Race followed by Hell on The Humber, a 12-hour Endurance race, in March.
He completed the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, in May in just under five hours 30 minutes and will be taking part in the Endure 24 later this month, which involves 24 hours of running in Braham Park, Leeds.
As well as his cycling challenge in August he is also taking part in the Tough Mudder South West a few weeks later followed by the Great North Run in September.
His father, who is 66 and works in an aerospace engineering factory, was diagnosed recently but symptoms started in March last year. Myasthenia gravis is rare and affects about 15 in every 100,000 people in the UK.
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Glen added: “The MG condition affects brain to muscle communications in various ways and for my dad his speech is severely affected. I am completing numerous challenges across 2025 to raise money and awareness for Myaware.
“I have ran my first marathon in Leeds in May and I will be completing a 24 hour running endurance event at the end of June plus many more too. The cycle ride will be the biggest of all my challenges in terms of miles completed. I’m excited but equally nervous.”
To support Glen click here.
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