Chris Stennett, who hails from Felixstowe, is gearing up to complete the Ironman triathlon challenge in Austria.

The 30-year-old hopes to complete the challenge, which involves a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run within 17 hours on the 18 June.

It's going to be no easy feat as Chris lives with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a muscle-wasting condition that results in weakening of the muscles in the face, shoulder blades and upper arms. It is a condition for which there is currently no cure. 

Chris will take on the challenge ahead of World FSHD Day, on 20 June – a global initiative aiming to raise awareness of this debilitating condition – one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy, which affects over 1 million people worldwide. 

Chris Stennett at Great East Run (Picture: Muscular Dystrophy UK)

Chris, once a keen rugby player at Felixstowe Rugby Club, received the surprise diagnosis of the condition in 2019, aged 26. After repeated rugby injuries and over 10 years of shoulder weakness, Chris experienced another shoulder dislocation and was referred to a neurologist. Following a genetic test the results confirmed he was living with FSHD, a condition that affects approximately 2,500 people in the UK. 

He said: "The risk of injury was too high for me to continue playing rugby or practising mixed martial arts – two hobbies that gave me the most enjoyment. 

 "I've always been athletic – and at the age of 26 I was supposed to be entering my prime but instead I was having to retire early. It knocked me for six and made me feel down.

"Within two months of getting the diagnosis, I decided I wasn't going to let it hold me back, and I decided to complete the Ironman triathlon challenge. It was something I'd always wanted to do once I'd stopped playing rugby. I knew the training would be good for me and would give me something to focus on. 

"I thought to myself, I'm never going to get a better chance – who knows what will happen in 10 years' time, I could be in a wheelchair by then."  

Chris Stennett cycling in Austria (Picture: Muscular Dystrophy UK)

Chris is taking on the challenge to raise funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the national charity that supports those with muscle wasting conditions. Chris has previously taken part in the Marbella 70.3 half Ironman (May) and the TCS London Marathon 2023 (April), so this will be his third major challenge in three months. 

Ahead of the ironman challenge Chris said: "Living with a condition can be challenging. FSHD continues to sap my strength, but I remain strong minded.  

"Completing the open water swim with front crawl is a small concern because the muscles in my core are weak and I struggle with snaking in the water when I'm tired. I am a proficient breaststroke swimmer, so I have no doubt I will complete the swim, but by doing breaststroke I fatigue my legs before the cycle element even starts!"

 Kiera Santry, Senior Challenge Events Officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: "Chris has an inspiring story – and he has not let his diagnosis stop him from taking on multiple challenge events, including running the London Marathon in April 2023 for the charity.

"We're so grateful to Chris for his ongoing support. The funds raised will continue to help Muscular Dystrophy UK support people living with muscle wasting conditions and fund further research and treatment." 

Chris' JustGiving page link here.

If you are interested in taking on a challenge for Muscular Dystrophy UK why not sign up today? For more information or to help support our work, visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call our free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon-Thurs 10am-2pm).