Hi, my name is James and I am trying to raise funds to purchase a handbike.

I suffer from a condition called Friedreichs Ataxia which is a degenerative neurological condition which so far has mainly caused stiffness and weakness in my legs and I therefore use a wheelchair. As the condition progresses it can affect my arms, heart and has other associated issues. There is no current cure for my condition and other than medication to ease the stiffness and muscle spasms, the best therapy for me is keeping fit and well stretched out.

I am trying to purchase a handbike as using this would help maintain both the strength and dexterity in my arms but would also be a good form of exercise to keep my heart in a reasonable condition and ultimately fight the progression of the Ataxia.

Further to this I have two young children who have just started to ride their bikes. My 4 year old son is desperate for me to go for a bike ride with him however I cannot keep up with him in a wheelchair so my Wife currently has to takes him out....I would love to be able to go for a bike ride with my Son...

Having lost my Father in Law to Alzheimer's and my Mother to Cancer in close succession, if I was in a position to purchase a handbike I would love to use this to undertake some form of fundraising events such the London to Brighton bike ride to raise funds for organisations involved in research into not just my condition but Cancer and Alzheimer's as sadly, these will affect the majority of families in one way or another over time.