Main Image: Nathan arrives to a jubilant reception in Redcliffe (supplied). Listen: Nathan McDowell and Julie from Leukodystrophy Australia chat with Ken & Nicky after the completion of Nathan’s big ride.
A few weeks ago we brought you the story of Nathan McDowell, as he prepared to ride from Noosa to Redcliffe.
Nathan was riding to raise funds and awareness for Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD), which is a rare type of leukodystrophy that affects the nervous system (predominantly in males) and results in impairment to movement and coordination, muscle spasms, delays in developmental milestones, loss of motor abilities and the progressive deterioration of intellectual function.
Main Image: Nathan McDowell on his hand-cycle (Facebook). Listen: Ken & Nicky speak with Nathan and support worker Matt Bell about the preparation for ‘Nathan’s Big Ride’.
At 30 years of age Nathan McDowell is the oldest living person with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD).
PMD is a rare type of leukodystrophy that affects the nervous system (predominantly in males) and results in impairment to movement and coordination, muscle spasms, delays in developmental milestones, loss of motor abilities and the progressive deterioration of intellectual function.
There are two types of PMD with the more severe type being evident from birth, and resulting in a life expectancy ranging from a few years to the mid-teens. Nathan is one of the few people in the world who have battled the condition and lived into their thirties.