Bikers in cruise control to Holland

A FINCHAMPSTEAD cycling group are heading to Holland to raise money for a local charity.

The Finchampstead Cruisers will be embarking on the European challenge in aid of the Diana Camidge Foundation, a charity set up in memory of the sister of one of the cyclists.

Diana was born and grew up in Winnersh and attended The Holt School in the 1980s. She was diagnosed with Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS) syndrome, a neurodegenerative disease which claimed the lives of her mother and two uncles, before taking her own life in September last year, aged 46.

Her brother John, who is taking on the 180-mile cycling challenge, said: “Most people have heard of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), but very few people have heard of Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker, although its symptoms are very similar to CJD and, like CJD, there is currently no cure. However, The National Prion Clinic has created a drug which could potentially treat GSS.

“Having lost my sister to this awful disease, we are passionate to do all we can to raise awareness of GSS and fundraise to help The National Prion Clinic in their work.

“There is real hope for a cure in the future but the significant cost of clinical trials means that we need to do everything possible to raise awareness of the illness and support the work of the NPC.

“The support the foundation has received already has been overwhelming and, with the help of friends and family, and members of the public, we hope to be able to help find a cure.”

The team are aiming to raise £5,000 during the two-day challenge.

To support the team, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Ijsselmeer-Cycle-Challenge. To find out more about the Diana Camidge Foundation visit https://www.dianacamidgefoundation.org/