Yvonne Booth, charity fundraiser

“We want our children to experience the freedom of the mountains”

My husband and I both grew up running and walking in the Lake District, and we’ve always been passionate about the outdoors. 

Duncan was an elite rock-climber before he developed multiple sclerosis (MS) aged 39 and was unable to continue his beloved sport. Having spent his life outdoors, Duncan quickly had to adapt to find what he could do. It was really tough, seeing something that had once brought him so much joy, being taken away. 

But Duncan now rides an electric bike and, much to our amazement given his diagnosis has been able to summit many of the local hills and mountains. Being able to do this gives him a great sense of freedom and independence. His bike has changed his life, from being unable to walk in the mountains to now being
able to explore on his e-bike.

This has opened up so many new opportunities for our family and means our three boys can spend time with Duncan in the outdoors, which is something that’s really important to us. We’ve always wanted to make sure our children get to experience the excitement and freedom that mountainous environments bring. 

When Duncan was diagnosed, we started the 10in10 and Family 5in5 walking challenges to raise money for the MS Society, and our boys are growing up being very much part of this. 

The outdoors always has, and hopefully always will play a huge role in our family life, and we’re so grateful that, despite Duncan’s condition, this is something we’ve been able to continue.

Follow the Booth family’s fundraising adventures online at 10in10.org.uk