MLAs ride for Wellard resident Joel and duchenne

Wellard resident Joel Slinger looks at life with a can-do attitude.

The 33-year-old has duchenne muscular dystrophy, a neuromuscular genetic disorder which causes the deterioration of muscle strength and function.

Diagnosed at age 3, Mr Slinger said he never let his illness stop him from enjoying life.

"Everyone has their limitations. You just have to do what you can do," he said.

Mr Slinger said he hoped the upcoming Muscular Dystrophy WA Ride for Someone Who Can't campaign would increase awareness of the illness and encourage residents to help raise money for research.

The campaign calls on the community to take on the Act-Belong-Commit Dwellingup 100 challenge, matching a cyclist with a person with muscular dystrophy, with a choice of the 14km, 40km, or 100km track.

Kwinana MLA Roger Cook and Victoria Park MLA Ben Wyatt are strapping on their helmets for Mr Slinger in the 40km ride.

Mr Cook said he had taken up the challenge since 2011 and this was the second year he had been partnered with Mr Slinger, but the first year he would ride for him, with last year's election limiting him to fundraising.

Mr Cook said he was inspired by Mr Slinger's outlook on life.

"Joel is confined to an electric wheelchair and is unable to ride, but this does not stop him from getting out in the community, travelling and playing electric wheelchair sport," he said.

"We are privileged to be riding for an inspirational young man."

Joel's father John Slinger said his son had faced numerous challenges with his physical ability and access to places and events, but it had never dulled his spirit.

"He has always been a very determined young man and has always participated to the maximum of his ability in all activities," he said.

"It is his determination which has gotten him to this stage of his life."

Mr Slinger said he was pleased Mr Cook would represent his son in the cycling event.

"I hope he raises a fortune to help find a cure for this illness," he said.

The Dwellingup ride takes place on September 6.

Mr Cook said he and Mr Wyatt had been set a target of $5000 and had so far raised $1500.