On their bikes for charity
AN INTREPID pair of cyclists are getting on their bikes for the Cystinosis Foundation.
David Hancock and Matt Blackham, who both grew up and attended school in Ellon, are planning to cycle a mile for each person who suffers from the rare condition, while raising valuable funds for the Cystinosis Foundation UK.
There are about 200 people in the UK with the rare genetic disorder Cystinosis - one of whom is Matt's eight-year-old niece, Lena Forsyth, who lives in Mintlaw.
Cystinosis occurs when the mechanism which removes excess cystine from the body breaks down.
It then accumulates within body cells preventing them from functioning correctly.
This initially leads to kidney problems, but can cause failure of any major organ.
In the past, it was rare for cystinotics to survive into adulthood. Currently, there is no cure and most cystinotics have a strict 24-hour regime of foul tasting medication.
Lena's father and chairman of Cystinosis Foundation UK, Roy Forsyth, explains: "Cystinosis is extremely rare and unknown, so it is difficult to diagnose and very complicated to treat.
"Our charity is very small, but succeeding in supporting two medical research projects at The Robert Gordon University and Sunderland University. These projects have a real chance of improving the lives of Cystinotics."
Day one for Matt and David starts in Edinburgh, with the two cyclists heading over the Forth Road Bridge, along the Fife coast to St Andrews, over the Tay Bridge and finishing in Arbroath. On day two they continue to Stonehaven, Inverurie and Ellon before finishing in Mintlaw where they will meet up with Lena and her family.
The cycling duo have already received a substantial contribution from Edinburgh-based software consultancy, Scott Logic. However, David and Matt are still covering all the costs of the challenge from their own pockets.
"All the money we raise will go directly to research projects we know are making a difference. So we really appreciate every donation!" says cyclist Matt.
You can help support them at www.justgiving.com/OnePersonOneMile
The Cystinosis Foundation UK is a UK registered charity (Charity No.1074885). For more information visit www.cystinosis.org.uk
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Weather for Peterhead
Friday 18 May 2012
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