York Cyclist Kicks-Off Fundraising Challenge

York cyclist Joe Richardson is setting off today (Wednesday 15th August 2012) on the challenge of cycling in the famous 500k ride London - Paris bike ride to help raise funds for The Huntington's Disease Association.

As well as the bike ride Joe is also taking part in the Manchester and York 10k races and iconic Great North Run in a year of fundraising for the charity.

To help raise his target of £1400, Joe has planned a series of events that will take place in York over the coming months.

The Huntington's Disease Association (HDA) exists to support people affected by the disease and to provide information and advice to professionals whose task it is to support Huntington's disease families. The HDA is financed through the generosity of trusts, foundations, the statutory and corporate sectors, branches of the HDA, members and friends.
The charity offer a Regional Care Advisory Service which consist of teams of Regional Care Advisers who provide amongst other services; information and advice to families; answer crises calls and liaise with other professional service providers; identify suitable respite and residential care facilities and provide workshops for service providers and users such as health, social services, nursing homes, and residential care staff teams. The HDA also fund social and medical research into the disease and encourage further research.

Joe Richardson says:

"Being able to help the HDA and raise funds for them to continue their work is very important to me as Huntington's Disease affects the person closest to me.

"My wife's Dad died in the late 90's from Huntington's Disease which means that she stands a 50/50 chance of developing the disease and is potentially already showing early symptoms.

"I've been called everything from mad to inspirational for taking on so many challenges in such a short period of time but, to me, it's worth it if money that I raise goes to helping those who face a much bigger challenge every day, that of living with, and caring for those who suffer with, Huntington's Disease."

To see how Joe is getting on with his challenge or for more information on the appeal visit: www.joerichardson.net

Or to donate visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/joerichardson