THE father of a little boy with a rare genetic disorder is just 11 per cent off his charity target as he prepares for a coast-to-coast sponsored bike ride later this month.
Nick Thorne, the Withycombe father of Austin, two, who has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CDLS) which affects his growth, hearing, physical and mental development, is hoping to raise £5,000 to support the charity researching the condition.
He was recently presented with a £250 cheque at the Healthy Minehead event by Minehead Cycle Club, which he is a member of, and is hoping to reach his fundraising target when he cycles the gruelling 150-mile Northern Coast-to-Coast Challenge on June 23.
CDLS is only found in one in over 40,000 children and Nick, an architectural designer, is aiming to help the charity, which supports children and families affected by the syndrome, and funds research at Birmingham University.
Nick, who rides regularly with the Minehead club, is trying to get fully fit for the day long challenge, that goes from Seascale on the Lake District coast to Whitby in North Yorkshire, involving over 4,500 metres of punishing hill-climbs.
He will cycle solo, and will be supported by his wife Kerrie, family and friends. For further information visit justgiving.com/nick-thorne-for-cdls.