Story
Now I am old enough to participate in the London to Brighton Bike Ride.
Here's why the 14 year old is joining his Father, Chris, amd friend Nathan in taking on the 54
mile bike ride.
"I have always wanted to do this event ever since I can remember. My Dad did his first ride in 2000, when my older sister was 8 months old, this year is his 15th time of
taking part. I am 14 years old now and old enough to participate so have signed up to join in!
The reason my Dad has been doing the London to Brighton bike ride is because I was born with "Transposition of the Great Arteries" this means that my two main arteries were the wrong way round which meant I was not getting oxygen to my body and also a hole in my heart.
When I was 9 days old I had life saving surgery called a "Switch" operation. I was cared for by the Amazing Great Ormond Street Hospital by my hero Dr Robert Yates. Myself, parents and older sister (who was also born with the same condition, which is not genetic) are ALL so very grateful to him and his team for the amazing work they did.
This is a rare condition in the UK making my parents the only couple who have two surviving children with this heart condition.
We are both healthy and lead normal lives, we go to Great Ormond Street Hospital every year for a check up. I recently completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. Later in the Summer I am going on an adventure holiday to Switzerland with the Explorer Scouts.
I certainly do not let my start in life affect me now and I want to raise some money as a thank you to the British Heart Foundation for all the research they do because otherwise mine and my sisters story could have been quite different!
Thank you for taking the time to read my personal and unique story."