Back in January a very close friend of mine, James Kitto, convinced me and a few other friends to cycle 330 miles from Balham to Newcastle.

I had no hesitation in joining him.  Last year, James and his wife Kat’s younger daughter, Poppy, was diagnosed with Mitochondrial disease.  This is a rare condition and very little is known about it.  There is currently no treatment or cure.  However, it does affect children’s development, often profoundly, and it can make those affected very ill.  The best description that James and Kat have found is that Mitochondria are the body's batteries. If these batteries are running low or don’t charge properly then normal biological development processes will be impacted. Mitochondrial disease can impact almost any part of the body from the muscles to the brain.

Poppy is one of the sparkliest and most beautiful little girls you could hope to meet.  Her smile genuinely lights up a room.

We are cycling to Newcastle to raise money for the Lily Foundation, which funds research, raises awareness and supports families affected by this condition.  Once we get there, we will hand over the baton to Kat and Olly who will run the Great North Run.

We’d all be really grateful for any support you feel able to give