Two Glossop residents are taking on a gruelling seven-day bike ride to raise money for two local children who have been diagnosed with Usher syndrome.
Lea Howden, 38, and Ky Howden, 30, will set off from Norfolk Square at 6pm on Friday 21st August, heading for Land’s End in Penzance. They plan to cover between 55 and 65 miles each day.
The pair are raising money for Emme, 8, and Abel, 2, who were both born deaf and received hearing aids when they were just 10 weeks old.
Emme has since been diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition which means she will gradually lose her sight. The family is awaiting genetic test results for Abel, with doctors believing he may also have the condition.
The children's mum, Beth, said the diagnosis had led the family to focus on making as many special memories as possible. She said: “We decided to create something special with Emme that we will also create with Abel as he gets older - a Sight Bucket List. It's a list of all the things they want to see and experience to create lifelong memories.”
Lea and Ky decided to take on the fundraising challenge after hearing about the family’s plans.
"Their parents are trying to create lifelong memories for the children" they said. "They have a bucket list of things they would like to experience before the children lose their sight. This obviously comes at a cost, so we have decided to help raise funds to make their dreams come true.”
The pair have been documenting their training ahead of the challenge on TikTok, giving supporters an opportunity to follow their progress. You can watch them on their account (7.of.diamonds.ltd) by scanning the QR code.
The fundraising ride is the first charity event Lea and Ky have organised, but they hope to continue raising money for other families in the future.
They are appealing for as much support as possible to help turn Emme and Abel’s bucket-list dreams into reality. You can donate at: https://gofund.me/bbe032fc3
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