Ex Deacon Convener Graeme Nicol’s granddaughter Morven has the cystic fibrosis condition, which is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene. This gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out of the body’s cells, so the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food. More than 2.5 million people in the UK carry the faulty gene, around one in 25 of the population. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis but many treatments are available to manage it, including physiotherapy, exercise, medication and nutrition. Each week five babies are born with cystic fibrosis.
The family are fortunate that Morven was diagnosed at birth and so has had the benefit of the care and guidance of the specialists at ARI and the ongoing investment in research made by The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and keeps well. But there is no cure for this life limiting condition and so there is a need to keep research funding going.
Since Morven’s birth, the family have been active fund raisers for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Graeme’s contribution this year will be to cycle from Dover to Cape Wrath, a full traverse of the United Kingdom from SE to NW, a distance of 1000 road miles. The route will see him head from Dover into Essex and onwards through Cambridge, Lincoln, York and then over to Carlisle. The midpoint day will see him cross the border aiming for Sanquhar.Thereafter the route will involve some ferries as it wends through Brodick, Craignure, Mallaig, Kinlochewe, Ullapool and Durness. On the last day, he will take to the sea again as he crosses the Kyle of Durness for the 24 mile round trip to Cape Wrath lighthouse and back. This, however, will be very weather dependant!
This mammoth journey will begin on Saturday 9th August and will finish on Friday 22nd August. Graeme and Morven will be very grateful for your support. Morven, for the prospect of improving care and life prospects, and Graeme, knowing that as he grinds out the miles each day, he has your very kind support.
Donations and sponsorship can be received as follows:
Through the internet at Graeme’s fundraising site: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GraemeNicol
By post to: Graeme Nicol c/ o Trinity Hall, Holburn Street, Aberdeen, AB10 6DA
or in person in the coming weeks before the challenge.
Any cheques should be made payable to The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and ALL monies received will go to The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
