Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page

I am so excited that I've been joined by Sally Ward, Phil Walker and my fantastic brother John Hart. 

This is why he is doing it...

From John ... As many of you know, my mother Val suffers from a hereditory genetic disorder called Huntington's Disease, and earlier this year i finally worked up the courage to find out if i was going to develop it myself. It turned out to be good news, which i'm incredibly thankful for - and as a celebration of this i'm taking part in a fundraising cycle ride from London to Paris in september this year, along with my amazing sister Sarah Winckless and a group of others (i'm going to have to do a LOT more excercise than i'm used to for the next 2 months hehe). As a charity ride obviously the intention is to raise as much money as possible for the charity - http://www.hdscotland.org/ so any donations would be very gratefully recieved :)

For us this ride will be a great challenge, a lot of fun, very few punctures, hopefully some sunshine, and some sore legs and bottoms! However I wanted to do it also to raise money for a great cause and one I am intimately involved with..

As patron of the Scottish Huntington's Association I am lucky enough to see first hand the great work great work they do, continuing to work with and support families who suffer from this disease, minimising the feelings of isolation that can so easily occur and working to give families access to the right services and the fullest support available.

I just got back from the SHA summer camp, which gives young carers a break, a chance to get out in the wilderness, and to be children. I can't tell you the value of this week away for these young people. Each year I see them grow in confidence, create friendships and challenge themselves. It costs about £20.000 for this week, I'd like this cycle to contribute to part of this.

As a part of a family who have lived with this disease for well over 20 years, I also have first hand experience of how tough it is. The picture is of Mum and me celebrating my bronze medal in Athens in 2004, eight years later, she is still with us today, though now finds it even harder to communicate she will be coming to watch other rowers win their medals in London this year. Her spirit, and the strength of my family continue to inspire me - please support us. 

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