Rett charity pot boosted by bike ride (From Warrington Guardian)
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Rett charity pot boosted by bike ride
8:10am Sunday 29th July 2012 in News
Rett charity pot boosted by bike ride
A CHARITY which started with five parents hoping to find a cure for Rett Syndrome will soon have handed over one million dollars for research after another successful charity event.
Burtonwood dad Andy Stevenson was joined by two Sky Sports news presenters and featured on the channel three times during a marathon bike ride from St James’ Park, Exeter, to Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
He helped set up The Rett Syndrome Research Trust UK two years ago after his daughter Beth, aged 12, was diagnosed with the childhood neurological condition which has no cure or treatment and causes severe physical and learning difficulties.
Andy, of Pinewood Road, said: “We have done really well but it’s because people have spent a lot of time and hard work.
“At the moment the Rett community is hoping that scientists will be able to find a treatment, if not a cure, and we hope we can keep on getting the money coming in so clinical trials can start in the next 12 months.”
The latest fundraiser saw 43-year-old Andy pedal 400 miles alongside presenters Julian Walters and Rob Wotton who were inspired by Sky Sports producer Marc Souter and his three-year-old daughter Dylan, who has Rett Syndrome.
They were joined along the way by fellow presenter Jim White, Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert, Stoke City player Rory Delap, former player and manager Iain Dowie and charity ambassador and Warrington Wolves player Lee Briers , raising more than £10,000 for the award-winning charity.
Andy added: “I met a little girl called Holly along the way who was having a bad day with Rett Syndrome and it brought back some bad memories with Beth when she was younger.
“I told her mum that some things do get better.
“It was a real thrill cycling around the pitch in Newcastle and to be met by Dylan on her third birthday was the perfect end to a perfect week.”
The bike ride was sponsored by Love Velo and Starley Bikes.
