10 year old Caitlin Minnis has a cancerous tumour in her head called Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. She is due to receive chemotherapy over the next 3 month and needs radiotherapy following this. Because of the location of the tumour, standard radiotherapy would cause brain damage therefore she has been approved for a new proton treatment in Jacksonville, America. The flights/treatment/hotel are being funded however it is a 3 month trip and we are looking for help raising the funds for expenses.

Deerness Valley Cycling Group are taking part in a charity cycle ride on Sunday 29th May to help raise funds for expenses for a 3 month trip to America for 10yr old Caitlin Minnis.

It is a demanding ride taking in the Deerness Valley, Weardale and Teesdale including climbs over Chapel Fell and Crawleyside. Approx 70 miles all on ROAD. Starting and FINISHING at Broompark Picnic Area.

#### NEW ### For those not wanting to do the MAIN ride there is a SHORT - Mainly OFF-ROAD route along NCN14 to Stanley Crook and Back to Brancepeth to return vis NCN70 Approx 13 miles.

Caitlin is a beautiful bright young girl who has her whole future ahead of her. Without this trip, the treatment available in this country will cause her brain damage, affecting the rest of her life, the extent cannot be predicted. Her dream is to become a CSI investigator. She is always smiling, laughing and caring for others. All we want to do in ensure she can live out her own dreams.

Caitlin is due to fly to America around the end of March for 3 months

The money will be spent on Caitlin's time away during treatment. This will entail general expenditure including day to day living and if Caitlin is well enough, treating her to days out to attempt to lift her spirits. Any remaining donations would be given to the Rvi children's cancer ward in Newcastle. If for any reason Caitlin is too unwell to travel the whole donation total will be given to the same Rvi children's cancer ward who are currently treating Caitlin.