Inspirational David takes on Bidwells Cambridge 10k - plus 2024 route map and road closures

A Cambridge man with cerebral palsy will take on the Bidwells Cambridge 10k this Sunday (6 October) in his manual wheelchair for friends affected by a muscular condition.

David Slater, 37, will be joined by his sister, Rosie, 31, from London, in participating and fundraising in memory of three friends who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and in support of his good friend Tyran, 37, who lives with the same condition.

The 10k event, now in its 13th year, is organised by Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions.

To date, David has raised more than £200, exceeding his initial £100 fundraising target. He said: “I’m doing this for my friends Jonathan Gilmour, Jonathan Stringer and Stuart Wickison, who all had Duchenne muscular dystrophy and are sadly no longer here, as well as my good friend Tyran Hawthorn, who is still fighting and living with the condition.

“We all met as teenagers at residential college and despite us Inspirational David takes on 10k having different personalities and me having a different disability, we were drawn to each other.

“I became good friends with all of them and like to think we made the most of life together. We had so many laughs.”

One of the friends David is fundraising in memory of, Jonathan Gilmour, was a long-term supporter of Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Keen to be remembered for his ‘ability not his disability’, Jonathan was a University of Cambridge PhD student and award-winning academic.

His parents, Angela and Brian, were the official race starters for last year’s 10k, something they were proud to do in Jonathan’s name.

“Jonathan and I were very similar in some ways,” said David. “We started at college at the same time, so I knew him from the age of 16.

“He was a very gentle person and shy at first, before we got to know each other. He died two years ago, and I think he’d be proud that I’m saluting him in this way.

“He never wanted his condition to define him and, like me, didn’t want to take anything in life for granted.”

Jessie Keighley, events project manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “David’s story is inspirational, and we’re honoured that he’s taking part in this event and fundraising for us in memory of his friends.

“As we head into the 13th year of the Cambridge 10k, we’re seeing it grow in popularity and are so grateful for everyone’s support in making it a success.

“From our headline partner Bidwells to our volunteers and everyone taking part and supporting on the day – you all help make a difference to people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

“We can’t wait to see everyone there on the day!”

The Bidwells Cambridge 10k offers a closed-road route through the heart of Cambridge, taking in historic city sights, with chip timing and an event village.

Money raised will go towards funding groundbreaking research and life changing support for people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

There are a limited number of spaces still available for the Bidwells Cambridge 10k on Sunday 6 October. Sign up now at shorturl.at/WY1QT.

The route

The road closures

The organisers says road closures will start to come into force from 8am on Sunday, 6 October and will remain in operation until noon. Victoria Avenue will be an exception to this and will close at 5.30am. Road closures will be managed by Chevron Traffic Management. Most roads will open as soon as the last runner passes, again with the exception of Victoria Avenue, which will remain closed for the duration of the event.

Here are the roads closed:

Victoria Avenue (full road), Chesterton Road (Victoria Avenue to Northampton Street – West bound), Northampton Street (westbound to Queens’ Lane), Queen’s Road (southbound to junction of Silver Street), Silver Street (eastbound), Trumpington Street (from Silver Street junction to King’s Parade), King’s Parade (full road), Senate House Hill (full road), Trinity Street (full road), St John’s Street (full road), Bridge Street (St John’s Street to Jesus Lane), Jesus Lane (eastbound from Bridge Street to roundabout at the bottom of Victoria Avenue), Park Parade (full road), Maids Causeway (eastbound - north side of road - from the roundabout at the bottom of Victoria Avenue to Newmarket Road), Newmarket Road (eastbound - north side of road - from Maids Causeway to Elizabeth Way Roundabout), Walnut Tree Avenue (full road), Riverside (full road), Footpaths 11 (full footpaths).