ride for charity
By WalesOnline
Feb 24 2012
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan=92s special adviser Richard Hazlewood is
going on a 300-mile bicycle ride to raise money for charity after his
wife Rachel was diagnosed with ME.
Next September he will ride the 300 miles between London, Amsterdam
and Brussels in aid of the ME Association, an organisation which
supports people with chronic fatigue syndrome. His wife was diagnosed
with ME in September.
This is his second cycle challenge. In 2010 he rode from London to
Paris in support of the Kidney Wales Foundation.
It is estimated that around 250,000 people in the United Kingdom,
including around 11,000 in Wales, are affected by ME. The cause of the
illness is uncertain, but common symptoms include severe and
debilitating fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep,
gastric disturbances, and poor memory and concentration.
There is no accepted cure and no universally effective treatment.
According to the ME Association those treatments which have helped
reduce particular symptoms in some people have proved ineffective or
even counterproductive in others.
=93It=92s incredibly hard to watch someone go through ME. You feel
helpless and very frustrated,=94 said Mr Hazlewood.
=93We both find we=92re adapting our lives to deal with ME. Until recently
Rachel was fit and healthy, worked full-time, and led an active life.
Now there are days when for Rachel walking or getting out of the bed
in the morning are a challenge.
=93I know there=92s not much I can do to make it better other than to just =
be here.=94
He added: =93Like many people, until recently I knew little about ME. In
the coming months I=92m determined to do my bit to raise awareness and
improve people=92s understanding of this terrible illness. The best way
I know how is to get on my bike.
=93As well as London-Amsterdam-Brussels I hope to complete a few shorter
rides before September if time allows. I know that for me the fatigue
will be temporary and I have to remind myself just how fortunate I am
to be well enough to do something like this.=94
Readers can contribute to the challenge at www.justgiving.com/ Richard-Hazl=
ewood
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