Friends go the extra mile in charity cycle

Published on Monday 24 August 2009 10:19

TWO men are to travel 200 miles in two days through Scotland by bike to raise money for research into a rare genetic disorder.

Matt Blackham, 33, from the Capital, will join David Hancock, 33, from Glasgow, in a ride that leaves Edinburgh on Friday, heading to St Andrews, Arbroath, Stonehaven, Inverurie and Ellon, before finishing in Mintlaw.

They are hoping to help those 200 people across the UK who suffer from cystinosis – a condition that prevents excess cystine being removed from the body, leading to kidney problems and organ failure.

Mr Blackham's niece Lena Forsyth has the condition. Her father Roy is chairman of the Cystinosis Foundation UK charity.

He said: "Cystinosis is extremely rare and unknown, so it is difficult to diagnose and very complicated to treat."

A substantial contribution to the ride has been made by the Edinburgh-based software consultancy Scott Logic, but the cyclists are covering all the costs of the challenge themselves.

To donate, visit www.just giving.com/OnePersonOneMile.