An amazing organisation and the only UK based charity which represents and supports people living with all types of EHS (Ehlers-Danlos syndromes) will benefit from the fundraising cycling efforts of Lee Whiting when he gets on his bike for the Prudential RideLondon, London – Surrey 100 on Saturday 29th July 2018.
Some time since he last sat in the saddle, the forty-something Business Unit Director at Redditch firm Oakland International is hoping to smash his £500 fundraising target, started his training with a series of consecutive 20-mile rides to help build his stamina.
Said Lee: “EDS Support UK has helped my best friends Richard and Vicki and two of their three daughters who suffer with hEDS, which is Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, although they both suffer in different ways. If I can achieve my £500 target, I’ll be happy, but I would dearly love to reach the magic £1,000 if I possibly can!”
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of thirteen individual genetic conditions, all of which affect the body’s connective tissue which lies between other tissues and organs helping to keep them separate whilst also connecting, supporting and keeping everything in place, like the mortar between bricks. In EDS, a gene mutation causes connective tissue, depending on the type of EDS but usually a form of collagen, becomes fragile and stretchy, which can mean joints flex further than usual and resulting in hypermobility. People with EDS experience a broad range of complex syndromes affecting the body all at once and is often an invisible disability.
Added Lee: “EDS symptoms can include long-term pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, palpitations and digestive disorders with symptoms ranging in severity from person to person, even in those with the same type of EDS and within the same family.
“By taking part in the Ride London -100 for EDS Support UK I want to help raise vital funds to help children, adults and families get the medical diagnosis and support they so desperately need. There are so many charity’s all just as important as the next but if we all do our part to help others less fortunate we will help to make the world a better place.”
Please support, donate and help Lee reach his fundraising goal via his fundraising page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=lee-whiting-gur-PRLS-2018-6267&pageUrl=2