“Do what I can and don’t dwell on what I can’t” - Nick’s story

12 June 2025

Nick Apperley, who is living with motor neuron disease (MND), is determined not to let his diagnosis stop him from doing what he can, whilst generously raising funds and awareness for MND at the same time.

Having previously organised cycling challenges for various medical charities, after receiving his diagnosis in 2023, Nick has put his love of cycling towards fundraising for MND charities - now through getting out and about on his tricycle.

Nick’s MND fundraising has so far included a 444 mile cycle from Suffolk to Sennen in Cornwall, which took place last year from 9-15 June. The route was a meandering one, seeing Nick and his team cycle from his home village of Ufford in Suffolk, travelling west across the country, and finishing along the Atlantic Coast Road from St Ives to Sennen.

Reflecting on the challenge, Nick said: “It was such a positive and life-affirming experience.”

So, what has Nick been up to so far in 2025?

On Monday 19 May the Foundation welcomed Nick to our bi-annual Scientific Advisory Meeting, held by the Duke of Buccleuch at Boughton House. These meetings bring together some of the UK’s leading MND researchers, along with people living with MND, to encourage knowledge sharing, enable critical assessment of the latest trends, and help My Name’5 Doddie Foundation keep pace with advances in MND research. To have Nick present at the meeting to advocate for and represent the MND community was invaluable - people living with MND are at the heart of everything we do - and the input the Foundation receives from these meetings helps inform how we implement our research strategy and activities.

Today, Thursday 12 June, will mark the return of Nick’s Evening Charity Cycle - consisting of a scenic 15-mile cycle through the lanes of Suffolk via Campsea Ashe, Blaxhall and back to Ufford, then finishing with a sociable evening of food and drink at The Ufford Crown. Around 100 people are expected to join in, with a minimum donation of £10 to take part. 

Commenting on the progression of his MND, Nick said: “The MND road is becoming a little hillier, but I’m still wobbling along on my orthotic assisted legs. Walking is tricky, so I now have an electric buggy to allow me to be part of walks and get around locally. Some rubbish is also starting to develop in my hands and arms - but the good news is I’m still out and about on the trike!”

Nick states that his modus operandi is: “Do what I can and don’t dwell on what I can’t”, so he has regular weekly outings with his trike - which will stand him in good stead for taking part in Doddie’5 Lions Challenge, Kenny Logan’s latest fundraiser for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The challenge will see Kenny lead a 555 mile cycle around Ireland to deliver the match ball ahead of the British & Irish Lions match versus Argentina on Friday 20 June for the 1888 Cup. Nick will join the team in Wicklow for the last day of the ride into Dublin and the Aviva Stadium.

To find out more about Nick’s upcoming adventures and to help him reach his fundraising target of £50,000 please click here.