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Niemann-Pick diseases are rare, devastating often neurodegenerative diseases that affect infants, children, and adults. Currently there is no cure for these diseases and, very sadly, people affected with these diseases have a reduced life expectancy.

The charity Niemann-Pick UK (NPUK) does amazing work in providing vital support to patients and their families 24/7. Without their work, public awareness of these diseases would be almost non-existent. NPUK is part of an international alliance of NP charities (INPDA) who work to raise awareness and facilitate networking among scientists and doctors worldwide, and thus help develop treatments for these life-limiting disease.

Please watch the attached award-winning video to learn more about Niemann-Pick diseases.

We are a group of scientists from the University of Oxford and University College London, who work on Niemann-Pick. We are going to cycle from the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford to Stonehenge in Wiltshire, then cycle back. It will be about 130 miles in 2 days. It will be the longest cycle we have ever done,and will be a massive challenge for all of us.

Our team are: Fran Platt, Ahad Rahim, Danielle Taylor-te Vruchte, Kerri Wallom, Sophie Taylor,-te Vruchte,Hsin Chen, Amy Geard, Michael Fiore, Rebecca Braine, Reuben Bush, and Dave Smith. Yuzhe Weng and Puravi Panda will be our support.

Best Wishes

Dave

Attachments area

Please see the attached award wining video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_y4jBUPm80&t=76s

Blood, Sweat and Tears – Our 2026 Charity Cycle Challenge

On 9th July, 10 riders and three members of our support team, travelling in our trusty Mini, set off from Oxford at around 8:00am for what would become our toughest challenge yet.

The route took us through some beautiful countryside, and despite the stunning scenery, the biggest obstacle was the intense heat. Temperatures peaked at around 36°C, making every mile even more demanding. Apart from a few punctures along the way, the day went well, and at around 8:00pm everyone arrived safely at Stonehenge. By then, the combination of the distance and the extreme temperatures had left the whole team hot, tired and exhausted.

The following morning, it was clear just how much the first day's ride had taken out of both the riders and the bikes. Unfortunately, four riders were unable to continue, and several bikes were suffering from gear issues and punctures. At around 9:00am, the remaining six riders and the support team set off from the hotel near Stonehenge.

Once again, the heat made for difficult riding. Then, around halfway through the day's route, disaster struck. A serious accident resulted in one of our riders sustaining an open fracture to their elbow and being taken to hospital. It was a frightening moment for everyone involved, but thanks to the quick response of those at the scene and the emergency services, they received the care they needed.

Despite everything, three determined riders completed the journey, arriving back in Oxford at around 7:30pm alongside the support team.

This year's challenge truly lived up to the phrase "blood, sweat and tears." It tested every one of us in ways we could never have imagined, but it also demonstrated incredible determination, resilience and teamwork.

A huge thank you to everyone who rode, supported, donated and cheered us on. We couldn't have done it without you.

Here's to recovering... and then on to next year's challenge.