Land Rover Experience North Yorkshire

It had been some time since I was last at the Land Rover Experience centre, but the memories of a day driving a stunning Land Rover around the equally stunning estate have certainly remained at the forefront of my mind.

Whilst gratuitously driving around an off-road course is certainly fun (and indeed something I would highly recommend to anyone!), this time was going to be slightly different, as I was due to meet young Harry and his dad Gareth who are on a very serious fundraising mission for a very worthy cause.

Harry was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; a progressive condition causing all the body’s muscles to gradually weaken with time. DMD is a condition that is caused by a fault, known as a mutation, in the dystrophin gene. Dystrophin is a protein that protects muscles; without it, muscles are easily damaged, and their strength and function are weakened. It eventually affects all the muscles in the body, including the heart and lungs. DMD almost always affects boys and is typically diagnosed in childhood between the age of three and six.

In 2012 a charity named Duchenne UK was launched to raise money to support research into different treatments to support youngsters just like Harry – now coining the notion that whilst there is sadly no cure for Duchenne, there is most certainly hope.

Since Harry’s diagnosis, he and his parents have hit the ground running in furthering the cause of Duchenne UK, and the great

team at Land Rover Experience Yorkshire have been supporting their attempts ever since.

As we enjoyed a coffee in the impressive, converted old goat farm that Land Rover Experience Yorkshire call home, I was interested to find out more about the impact Duchenne UK has had since its launch. They have to date raised over £9 million which has been invested in DMD medical research, they have 34 clinical trial staff funded across the UK, and more than 400 more young boys taking part in clinical trials for innovative DMD treatments.

But, beyond discussing the detail of the charity – Harry and his dad were keen to take advantage of the impressive driving facilities on offer around the estate, so we took our seats in a very smart Range Rover Velar and off we went.

We drove through deep water, down steep drops, up incredible climbs – all of which was absolutely thrilling, but no part more so than when Harry himself took the wheel! Land Rover Experience Yorkshire have recently launched their Young Off-Roader courses, giving 11-17yr olds a chance to get in the driving seat – and by the constant smile on Harry’s face, it was clear he was enjoying every second.

And Harry’s dad, Gareth, is no stranger to taking the wheel himself – but in his case, it is as part of his training for a monumental bike ride from London to Paris within a strict time period of 24 hours rather than a rather slick Range Rover – welcome to the Duchenne Dash! Gareth is doing this 300km cycle as part of his fundraising attempt for Duchenne UK - if you feel able to donate to his efforts you can find his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/harrybikers - I’m sure any amount would be hugely

appreciated and put to great use for this worthwhile cause.

It was fantastic to meet Harry, Gareth, and the team at Land Rover Experience Yorkshire. We had a great day in the countryside and enjoyed some dramatic off-roading. I wish Gareth all the very best for his bike ride, and I hope both Harry and all those involved with, and benefit from, the wonderful work at Duchenne UK have a prosperous and successful future.

www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/harrybikers

Land Rover Young Off Roader Sessions make great gifts for any child aged between 11-17 and at least 1.45m tall

1 Hour Young Off Roader sessions are £150

Up to two drivers can share the session

Sessions can be booked 7 days a week Gift Vouchers can be purchased by calling the centre or online www.yorkshire. landroverexperience.co.uk

01756 611 060