AROUND 100 cyclists are expected to take part in a charity ride to raise funds for the family of a little boy suffering from a rare, life-limiting condition.
Liam Tarpey has Tay-Sachs disease - a genetic illness which causes a progressive deterioration of nerve cells and of mental and physical abilities. It usually results in death by the age of four.
The Ride For Liam takes place on Teesside on Sunday, February 21 from 9.30am and is being organised by keen cyclist Martyn Donnelly, whose niece is Liam's mother.
Liam's family live in Tenerife and are aiming to make their son's life as memorable as possible and Martyn has a set a target of £3,000.
The 35-mile ride, which is being supported by the Adept Precision Racing Team and Mercedes Benz of Teesside, will leave the Myton House Farm pub in Ingleby Barwick and head off into the surrounding villages before returning to Thornaby Cricket Club for refreshments.
Martyn, from Stockton and who cycles around 6,000 miles a year on his Cannondale Super Six Evo, said: "Liam has no movement in his arms or his legs, can't sit up and can't talk. It also brings on fits and blindness and sadly there is no known cure.
"His family are trying to create as many memorable experiences as they can and they also need specialist equipment - a wheelchair for argument's sake is about 3,000 Euros."
A Just Giving page has been set up and the total is currently stands at just short of £600.
A number of local cycling clubs have thrown their weight behind the event.
"Stockton Wheelers, Cleveland Wheelers and Fietsen Tempo will be there along with the Adept team of course, and Ferryhill Wheelers might have some people coming down," Martyn said. "I suspect between 50 and 100 riders will take part, with the route taking people through Stainton, Seamer, Hutton Rudby, Potto, Great Broughton and Stokesley before coming back."
Tea, coffee and homemade cakes will be served back at the cricket club for riders after the event, which is open to anyone to come along and take part in.
For more details email Martyn at martyn.donnelly@ntlworld.com and for how to donate to the cause visit the link here.
- Have a cycling story for me? Email matt.westcott@nne.co.uk
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