Hi

If you're reading this page, there's a strong chance you know why we are raising money for JDRF, and importantly, why we are asking for your support, but in case you don't here's a potted history:

Tom's story

Tom Kelsall just turned 15 years old. Almost 6 years ago, his pancreas stopped working. His body was no longer able to produce the insulin we all require to transport the glucose that is made when carbohydrate in food is broken down by the digestive system, from his blood stream and into his muscles and cells. Like about 400,000 other people in the UK (estimated 29,000 children) Thomas was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

But Tom isn't like the other 40 million people worldwide, who struggle every day with this killer disease. You see, Tom was born with a very rare syndrome caused by a "micro-deletion" of a particular chromosome in his body's cells.

As a result of his syndrome, Tom suffers from what has become known as Developmental Learning Disorder (or "DLD") which has left him with a catalogue of issues (in addition to his Diabetes) that he deals with all day every day.

He has a severe speech & communication impairment (meaning he cannot process language like most of us). This is turn has led to a moderate learning disability as he struggles to receive, process and express information). He suffers from serious gross and fine motor control issues (he cannot control his muscles and limbs as instinctively as most people). And he has a hearing loss (which affects his ability to learn and absorb language - which is already difficult for him). 

You can imagine, life was enough of a challenge for Tom before he was diagnosed with incurable condition which is Type 1 Diabetes is incurable.

As his parents, we know his Diabetes will one day claim another innocent victim ahead of his time in our son, so we do everything within our power to delay the inevitable and help find a cure.

And in the meantime, Tom does not let his condition get in his way. Quite the opposite in fact. And this is why I am telling this story now.

JDRF is the world's leading Diabetes research foundation. If anyone is going to help find a cure, they will. But this research costs a lot of money. So we aim to raise some.

Now, you probably know that I (Neil) like to ride a bike. And if you didn't already, you do now. I like riding bikes ....

And Tom likes riding his bike too.

Only, it's not quite so easy for him. Whenever he rides his bike, we have to ensure his blood sugar levels remain healthy ... or else he might have a hypoglycaemic "low" (and possibly faint or end up in a coma), or a hyperglycaemic "high" (and end up in a coma with poisoned blood).

And in addition to keeping his Diabetes under control, Tom also has to deal with the issues related to his syndrome I mentioned above. He finds "road awareness" comes to him less naturally than for most. And he still needs constant coaching about where in the lane to ride, what gear to ride in, when to slow down or speed up, where and when to turn etc. Riding can be quite exhausting for him.

But he loves it,  and being Thomas, he literally does not let this stop him.

Right, cutting to the chase ....

Tom will be doing to rides in May and June in order to raise funds for Diabetes research, and to raise awareness of just what is possible in spite of having Type 1 Diabetes.

The first ride is an event organised by JDRF to raise money for Diabetes research. Thanks to his grit and determination, we have received special dispensation for Thomas to ride 100km (60 miles) around the Ford UK test track and surrounding areas on Sat 18th May.

And because at this point Tom will "have 100km in his legs" ... we have decided to use this "form" ...  and undertake a 2nd ride ...

The second ride is an event organised by Novo Nordisk, the world's leading Diabetes company; the company which produces the insulin that keeps Tom and millions of other people with Diabetes alive every day.  Tom (and Neil) will be riding 145km (90 very "lumpy" miles) from Wootton Basset (in Wiltshire) to Weybridge (in Surrey) on Friday June 21st.

This will be a huge undertaking on his part. Yes, he has ridden 106km previously, but this sort of endurance event requires training and dedication probably beyond the expectations of most 15 year olds ..... let alone those with "special needs" and Type 1 Diabetes.

In support of Tom, we have a few selfless souls who are hoping to benefit from the "aero draft" generated by our pocket-powerhouse; namely our friends (and HUGE supporters of Tom) Frank, David and Graham. I'm not sure any of them would consider them regular cyclists so these guys will also have to put the miles in, in preparation.

For my part, I'll also be with him for every pedal stroke, monitoring his blood glucose, feeding jelly babies and begging him to slow down .... :-)

If you have read this far, let me spell out what I am asking ...

Please support Thomas as he (plus Frank, Pete, Graham and I) ride to raise money to cure Diabetes. The inspiration he will get from knowing people are behind him will spur him on no-end.

THANK YOU for taking the time

Neil (and Vicki, Tom, Archie & Isobel)