Scleroderma (aka Systemic Sclerosis) is a progressively debilitating and incurable autoimmune disease. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scleroderma/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Amy's mum, Margaret, was diagnosed with Scleroderma four years ago. Since then it has wrought terrible physical changes upon her body, but both Amy and I have remained inspired by her continuing courage and fortitude in the face of such an affliction.

In the past, Margaret took great enjoyment in participating in many sports such as hockey, swimming and gymnastics. As a symbol of our love and respect for Margaret, we wanted to participate in the kind of challenging sport event, such as cycling 100 miles, that Margaret would love to be able to do. 

Scleroderma, like so many other rare illnesses, is dubbed an "orphan" disease due to a lack of general awareness about it. This has lead to a lack of funding into the development of new treatments and in support for individuals and their relatives affected by living with Scleroderma.

For this reason, Amy and I felt a strong obligation to fundraise for the Scleroderma Society (http://www.sclerodermasociety.co.uk/index.php), a UK based charity which provides support and much needed information to anyone affected by Scleroderma as well as promoting awareness in order to help motivate new research and strategies that will ultimately lessen its burden.

Please help people like Margaret and the Scleroderma Society by offering us whatever support you can.