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To promote activity in our team, compete with others and raise money for charity, the Straumann South West, Ireland and Central (SWIRC) team will be racing against an American contingent of Straumann employees. It is first to the middle of the Atlantic from our respective offices. This is a total of 1600 miles per team, an average of 200 miles per team member as each team has 8 members. 

As part of this, the UK team of 8; along with more of our colleagues, will be raising funds throughout May, all aiming for that 200 mile target. 

Our chosen charity is the National Society for Phenylketonuria (NSPKU). This is a charity close to my heart as it helps individuals and families that suffer from Phenylketonuria (PKU). This metabolic disorder affects the ability of the body to process protein, leading brain damage as a result of a build up of Phenylalanine. People suffering from PKU will never eat meat, dairy, bread, pulses, fish, poultry, whole grains or many vegetables as the protein content is too high. Many drinks are also off limits as the artificial sweetener Aspartame is also a source of Phenylalnine and is present in many juices and fizzy drinks. 

For an example, my son Max can currently manage 6 grams of naturally occurring protein per day. That is the equivalent of around 2-3 slices of white bread, or 6 tea spoons of baked beans. There would be 25 grams of protein in 100g of chicken. Sufferers also need to take

The NSPKU not only supports individuals and families with the condition, but it also pushed for additional research into the condition. They are currently lobbying Government to provide a drug, called Kuvan, which greatly increases a sufferers ability to break down protein. This drug is widely available in Europe and the USA, and is due to be trialed in the UK. We are literally at the cusp of a breakthrough and any support right now could be the difference between this breakthrough succeeding or failing.

For additional info please visit: 

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