In early September I will be cycling 420 miles over 4 days from the westernmost point of Wales (St David's) to the easternmost point of England (Lowestoft).  I am raising money for the Lily Foundation, an amazing but small charity which does incredibly important work funding research into Mitochondrial Disease and supporting families affected by this horrible condition. 

But why?

Poppy, the daughter of some great friends of ours, James & Kat, is now 6 and was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease in 2012. 

Mitochondrial Disease it a highly complicated disorder that impacts every person differently. Mitochondria are effectively the body's battery pack (every cell in your body has them). If these batteries are running low or don’t charge properly then normal biological development processes are impacted. Mitochondrial Disease can impact almost any part of the body from the muscles to the brain.  Little is really known about this disease.  There are no treatments.  There is no cure.

Most prominent for Poppy is her inability to walk, significant developmental delay and a reduced gross motor function. Despite her significant challenges Poppy is an incredible little girl.  Her smile lights up a room and her love for family and friends is totally clear for all to see.  She has huge determination to enjoy life to the full.

All your donations will go directly to the Lily Foundation. The Lily Foundation is committed to finding a cure for Mitochondrial Disease, and has a three point mission:

1) fund research to improve diagnosis and treatment options

2) raise awareness of these conditions so they are more easily recognised

3) support families with sick children. 

You can see more about the Lily Foundation's work over the past 10 years here:

https://youtu.be/FXOqHQfRKyM

And more on the background to Mitochondrial Disease here:

https://youtu.be/yQiBXZenEkY

Please give what you can; it will make a huge difference to the Lily Foundation.