A WITHYCOMBE father is preparing to cycle from coast to coast across England in one day to raise money for research into a rare genetic disorder his two-year-old son has.

Austin Thorne was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CDLS) which affects his growth, hearing and physical and mental development, and is only found in one in over 40,000 children.

Now his father, 40-year-old architectural designer Nick Thorne, hopes to raise at least £4,000 in sponsorship when he takes part in the day-long 150-mile Northern Coast-to-Coast Challenge on June 23.

A member of Minehead Cycling Club, Nick is now in serious training for the gruelling ride across northern England from Seascale on the Lake District coast to Whitby in North Yorkshire, involving over 4,500 metres of punishing hill-climbs.

“I ride regularly with the Minehead club and have done 100 miles in a day, but not on terrain like this,” Nick said.

“The money is for the CDLS charity which gives support to children and families affected by the syndrome. The charity is very small and run by volunteers, receives no Government funding and relies solely on donations.

“A large proportion of the money raised supports research at Birmingham University and I’m hoping that any money I can raise will have a positive impact on Austin’s and other children’s future as we learn more about the syndrome."

Nick is asking local companies to sponsor logos on the jersey he will wear on the ride, and donors already include Ware Construction, Bauer and Cottrell, Singer Instruments, Neil Arnold Tyres and Exmoor Bike Repair.

“People have been very generous and have already sponsored me for £3,000, but I am hoping we can raise a lot more for the research into this very rare condition,” he said.

Further sponsors can contact Nick at www.justgiving.com/nick-thorne-for-cdls.