Lottie, a beautiful little girl and daughter to friends Paula and Jim. At the tender age of 3. Lottie was diagnosed with a rare disease - MLD, which unfortunately has no cure. MLD is short for metachromatic leukodystrophy, and people who are affected by MLD lack an enzyme in their blood called Arylsulfatase-A, (ARSA). This unfortunately causes breakdown in communication between the central nervous system and the brain. This loss of, or miscommunication accounts for the loss of acquired functions, paralysis, blindness, and seizures, leaving those once diagnosed with this dreadful disease only a short number of years to live out their precious lives. This being such a tragic story and being a parent myself, makes me realise the sadness and heart ache that Paula and Jim are going through each day, not to mention the discomfort and pain that Lottie experiences.

Upon discovering this tragic news, I took it upon myself to assemble a team of close friends (Steve Clay, Ross Smith, Elvis Kesic, Steve Underhill, and Matthew Sills) to embark on a gruelling charity cycle ride, ' The Wiggle Mendips Sportive '. By taking part in this charity ride, we hope to raise funds for this special little girl, by giving her a chance of living out her bucket list of dreams with the short time she has left on this earth. The ride itself takes us through the renowned Cheddar Gorge, and is really set to put us through our paces, covering 100 miles and over 5000ft of climbing in one day!! In order to prepare ourselves for this challenge, we have been riding as a team and training during the week and weekends. Our last big ride was this weekend where we managed 63 miles in wind and rain climbing 4200ft. We believe our fitness and endurance levels are at there peak now and raring to tackle this epic 100miles.

All support and donations will go towards the vital medical treatments required to make Lottie's life as manageable and pain free as possible, and also go towards fulfilling any childhood dreams she has. I am not normally one to ask for help, but as this is a cause so close to my heart, and something I feel so passionately about, I ask for your generosity and support by pledging whatever you can to help Lotti and her incredibly strong and brave parents.

On Behalf of myself and the team of riders supporting me in this event, we thank you for taking time to read and listen to Lotties' story.