Sharon and Geoff Lavers ride for muscular dystrophy awareness after grandchildren diagnosed

Sharon and Geoff Lavers had never heard of muscular dystrophy. But then, both their grandchildren in Southwest Sydney were diagnosed with it. So now they are on a mission.

Two grandparents have set out on a 6000km journey to raise money and awareness around a challenging health condition that their grandchildren from southwest Sydney battle every day.

Geoff and Sharon Lavers had never really heard of muscular dystrophy, but then their grandson Zac was diagnosed with it two years ago.

Now aged 6, Zach’s younger brother Ted, 3, has also been diagnosed with the condition.

Muscular dystrophy is the name applied to a group of diseases that are mostly genetically determined and cause the gradual wasting of muscle with accompanying weakness.

Sharon and Geoff Lavers are riding 6000 kilometres to raise money and awareness about muscular dystrophy, a condition both their Campbelltown grandsons have. Picture: Annie Lewis

“I would describe it as a grandparent’s or a parent’s worst nightmare,” Mr Lavers said.

“There is no cure for it and in it’s worst form, the children that get it at an early age may not make their teenage years.

“Knowing your child could pass before you, I couldn’t imagine that.”

Mr Lavers said the money will go towards research to help find a cure for the debilitating condition.

“The illness isn’t spoken about it much and it flies under the radar,” he said.

“We started in Harvey Bay and we are travelling all the way down to Phillip Island and back up.

“We will be covering some 6000 kilometres, and we are about a quarter way through.”

Sharon and Geoff Lavers have stopped off in Campbelltown to visit their oldest grandson's school. Picture: Annie Lewis

Rain, storms and floods have not deterred the grandparents, who dress up as Wonder Woman and Iron Man when visiting schools, from the mission.

“We’ve had to be quite flexible,” he said.

“But we have managed and our bike has managed quite well so far.”

The Lavers visited Bradbury Primary School on Thursday to spread a message of inclusion with their grandchildren’s peers.

“We want them to know if someone has a disability they should help them and be kind,” Mr Lavers said.

“It’s a privilege to be able to go to the school and do it.”

It’s a message that Mr Lavers hopes the broader community takes to heart.

“Treat people with disabilities as equals,” he said.

“Look at Dylan Alcott, what a great ambassador he is and I want my grandchildren to have the same opportunities as him.”

For more information on the Lavers’ journey, click here.