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THE LILY FOUNDATION

First things first, why the Lily foundation?  A really good friend of mine  has given up a high flying career in the city to work for the Lily foundation. Alison had a daughter who was diagnosed with mitochondrial disorder. The Lily foundation provides support for families that have members suffering from mitochondrial disease and also sponsors research. Tragically when Niamh was 4 years old the severe illness caused by the mitochondrial disorder got the better of her and she passed away. I am very proud of Alison who now organises fundraising and co-ordinating research programmes for this charity which is understandably close to her heart. This is me doing my small bit to try and help. 

As someone who works in the pharmaceutical industry I know how much these rare diseases are generally neglected in funding for clinical research. Just imagine having an incredibly sick child but not being able to get the answers from medical staff on what they can do about it, or even be able to get a definitive diagnosis. Then when the correct diagnosis is finally made imagine the devastation at finding out that there is no available treatment or cure. Research can help get some answers for these parents and perhaps start to offer the potential of treatments in the future. We can give the 1 in 6500 children born in the UK with this disorder (1 in 200 born with the changes that could cause the disease), and their families some help, support and hope.

Help me to raise some much needed funds to find out more about Mitochondrial Disorders and please watch this video about the Lily foundation research families affected.

The foundation and its research - http://vimeo.com/47461745

The inspirations for the foundation. The families affected - https://vimeo.com/17209509 

THE DRAGON RIDE

Right, so why bike up and down hills for 129 miles?About 6 months ago I borrowed a very nice carbon road bike, from that first ride I was utterly hooked. The last time I regularly rode a bike was the best part of 20 years ago. 

I've joined a club now and got my own wheels but one thing hasnt changed. I still can't climb hills! Climbing is part skill, part being skinny (i'm not) & cranking out lots of power (I don't... yet) but mainly its about being able to put up with THIGH BURNING PAAAAAAAAIINN for long periods.

So being the masochist I am, I decided to do an event that I would test my (lack of) skills to the limit. Thus I allowed myself to be roped in to a group doing one of the toughest 'Sportives' in the country the 'Dragon Run' that runs through the Brecon Beacons in Wales for a full 129miles. For the uninitiated that will be about 8+ hours in the saddle! Read more here http://www.wiggledragonride.com/routes-gran-fondo.php

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. Every penny will help me get towards my target.