Coventry Jets youth team Head Coach Adam Biggs has had a challenging year. Not content with his involvement with the Great Britain Lions, Biggs can also boast helping the Loughborough Aces into the British University American Football final whilst providing the spark to drive Coventry's youth academy and leading the senior team's strong defensive charge as they push towards the playoffs. Throughout his hectic schedule Biggs kept everything in perspective as he prepares for a challenge of a different nature.
In August Biggs will attempt to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The Jets' star defensive back will be joined by his girlfriend Hannah Wade as they make the climb in support of the Myasthenia Gravis Association. "We're looking to raise awareness of the disease as well as some much needed funds for the Association so that they can carry on their great work" stated the Bolton born cornerback.
Myasthenia Gravis is a disease, which appears to the sufferer to weaken the muscles. It is a disorder of the junction between the nerve and the muscle, caused by the body's immune system attacking a vital part of this junction - this impairs the ability of the nerve to cause muscle contraction, and hence produces the apparent weakness. This disease has no known cure and is close to Hannah as her father was diagnosed as a sufferer in 2006.
"MGA are delighted to have Adam and Hannah supporting us with their fantastic Mount Kilimanjaro challenge this summer" stated Anna Smith, MGA Regional Organiser (Midlands & Anglia), continuing "this intrepid young couple have already risen to the challenge and are well on the way to meeting their fundraising target with numerous local events taking place - bag packs, cake bakes, awareness days - you name it and they'll turn their hand to it! If their effort and enthusiasm at this stage is anything to go by, then Mount Kilimanjaro should be a walk in the park!"
"You've probably never heard of Myasthenia Gravis - thankfully. It is a rare muscle disease that affects around 1 in 9,000 people in the UK leaving them with ongoing day to day struggles when tackling the things we usually take for granted - walking, eating, smiling, speaking etc. The disease can be debilitating and isolating, and a real struggle for families to come to terms with. MGA seek to support people through the difficult period of diagnosis, and throughout their lives as they learn to live with MG."
"We offer a helpline, newsletter, locally based support groups and information packs for all sufferers. On top of this we fund world class research into MG at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, as well as an education programme for health practitioners to raise awareness of MG amongst the medical profession.
Without the help of dedicated supporters such as Adam and Hannah, we would be unable to continue with the work we do, so I would urge you to support their challenge. Even the smallest donation can help us make a huge difference."
"Hannah and I are looking forward to the massive challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro - the roof of Africa" said Biggs, continuing "Preparations are running apace with long walks and climbs in the mountains of the UK. Our challenge takes place in the middle of August and it will take us seven days to reach the summit allowing for acclimatisation to the high altitude. The fundraising has been very successful so far with our initial target of £2000 being smashed within the first three weeks. Due to our continuing efforts, we are now well on the way to reaching our new target of £5000. We would like to thank everyone for their donations to the Myasthenia Gravis Association.
However, there is still plenty of time for further donations and we are continuing to fundraise until The Big Climb. Please visit our web site at www.justgiving.com/kilimanjaro-mga to make a contribution."
Jets' General Manager Gerry McManus is backing Biggs to take it all in his stride "Adam and Hannah are very committed individuals, once they set their mind to something there's no stopping them. It's a pleasure to be involved and help such a noble cause." The Jets will be holding a collection at their next home game on the 7th of August at the Butts Park Arena.
The visitors for Coventry's first ever Saturday night game will be the winless Sussex Thunder. The 19:00 kick off will be played under lights and will be preceded by the Jets Youth team facing the Nottingham Caesars. The action gets underway at 15:00 and entry prices are £5 for adults, £2 for Under 16s with a family ticket that covers 2 adults and 4 children for just £10. For further information on the Coventry Jets visit their website www.coventryjets.co.uk or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.