The mission?

On 22nd May 2016 I will start to cycle solo and unassisted from Swindon to the most Southern point of Sicily 'Portopalo Di Capo Passero' in 21days or less for Reverse Rett. That's more miles and climbing than the modern Tour de France in as many or fewer days. Except there will be no team mates, no bunch to hide in, no following support cars or fancy team buses. Just me, my bike, my tent and whatever other luggage I can minimise! I have always wanted to do something for charity, but it had to be extreme! Now is that time! The route will entire:

 Swindon via Surrey to Dover on day 1. Calais travelling eastwards along the French/Belgium border. From Metz its then South-Eastwards over the Alsace mountains before tackling the Swiss and Italian Alps. Italy sees the 2nd phase of the trip going over the Tuscan hills, down the west coast through Pisa, Rome, Naples and up Mount Vesuvius.Then the plan is to head more in land and hit mountain heights again until dropping to the most southern point of Italy 'Messina'. A short ferry from there gets me into Sicily where i pass southwards past Mount Etna and Catania. The most southern point 'Portopalo Di Capo Passero' leaves no more tarmac until Africa. The trip will still not be over here, I will then need to cycle back to Catania airport for my flight home. The journey will be approximately 2300 miles, averaging 125 miles per day and climbing in total circa 36,000m (Equivalent to 4 summits up Mount Everest).

The Motivation?

I have always wanted to do something for charity, but I knew it had to be for a cause I felt passionate about. The challenge had to be something more extreme than anything I'd done before, both physically and mentally.

Why now? 

I have a 32 year old sister called Angela, who has from birth suffered from a cruel neurological disorder that has trapped her inside her own body. Key questions me and my entire family have always asked are, Why?  What is the cause of it? Is she the only one like this?

Whilst Angela was recently in hospital fighting for her life, my wife happened to stumble across an article on Facebook about a girl suffering from a condition called 'Rett Syndrome'. After much investigation since, we feel content this is what Angela is suffering from. Due to recent progression in medical science Retts has only recently been clinically discovered and began to be understood. Consequently many families effected by Retts will not know of the condition - since testing is generally done in a childs' earlier days. Leaving many families feeling isolated and fearful their future descendants may also suffer the same disabiliies. For this reason I am also passionate about raising awareness for Retts along with funding Reverse Rett to hopefully find a cure!

What is Rett Syndrome?

Rett syndrome is a rare condition that occurs at conception and affects the development of the brain. It can cause severe physical and mental disability that begins in early childhood.
The condition affects approximately one in every 10-12,000 females and is only rarely seen in males. Many children with Rett Syndrome are unable to speak, walk or use their hands. Breathing problems, feeding tubes, seizures, anxiety, gastrointestinal and orthopedic issues and reduced life expectancy. 

Research has shown that girls with Rett Syndrome do not have brain damage. They know and understand much more than their bodies allow them to show - but they are locked in, trapped by a body that cannot obey signals from their brain.
Whilst there is currently no treatment for Rett Syndrome, there is hope.

You will be able to follow my progress throughout the ride on Facebook and Strava. https://www.strava.com/athletes/668001

My target is to raise £2300  (£1 for every mile). Any amount you can donate will be much appreciated and go towards a good cause.

Thanks

James Stewart