People from across the UK are being urged to take a hike – and raise money for a good cause.
DebRA is looking for teams of four adventurers, like the brave challengers from 2005 pictured here, to raise sponsorship and take part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
The fundraising event on Saturday September 9 2006 starts and finishes at Horton in Ribblesdale, and will raise money for DebRA and the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
At least 100 teams from across the UK are being sought for this event so there will be plenty of places available for friends, colleagues or families to get together and enjoy some beautiful scenery while completing the 24 mile trek.
DebRA funds research into EB, a rare and currently incurable genetic skin condition, and also provides practical support for EB families. EB is fatal in the most severe cases but even in its mildest form it causes lifelong disability and pain.
The effects of EB were illustrated in the compelling, award-winning documentary The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off, which charted the final months of Jonny Kennedy, who died of EB-related cancer.
Local lad Scott Eley, 12, who lives with EB, will be there on the day to cheer on the teams.
His father Frank and nine-year-old brother Lewis are hoping to part in the event to help raise funds for research and treatment of EB.
Scott, from nearby Earby in Lancashire, said: “I have recessive dystrophic EB which means that my skin is really delicate and it scars when it heals. I have even had to have an operation to widen my throat because the scarring made it very narrow. I have to have my dressings changed every day, which is really painful and, I have extra help at school.”
Event organiser Andrew Colville, from DebRA, said: “The Three Peaks Challenge will be one of our most important fundraising events of 2006. The 24 mile trek will undoubtedly be a challenge, but the rewards will be great. Not only will the people taking part enjoy some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery but they will also raise much-needed funds to help improve the lives of the 5,000 children and adults with EB in the UK.”
To take part in the event contact Andrew Colville or Lucy Weaver at DebRA on 01344 771961 or email events.team@debra.org.uk.
For more information please click here.
