Uncle heads west for charity cycle (From thisisoxfordshire)

Uncle heads west for charity cycle

4:34pm Friday 5th September 2008

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An uncle is to cycle 180 miles to raise money for charities which help- ed his nephew through a life-threatening disease.

Nick Battam, 33, embarks on a three-and-a-half-day cycle ride from his home in Boulter Drive, Abingdon, to Saunton Sands in north Devon.

The computer consultant sets off on Wednesday, and hopes to raise £1,500 for Jeans for Genes and The Sick Children's Trust, which helped his two-year-old nephew William Curtis and his family get through the traumatic ordeal.

William was born with Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome - a genetic disorder which left him with very little resistance to infection.

It meant the tot would bleed under the skin at the slightest bump.

Last year, William had a bone marrow transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital and has fully recovered.

William's parents, Robert and Catherine, from Wiltshire, have organised the sponsored cycle ride - called Just a Walk to the Beach - to say thank-you to the charities that helped the family.

Mr Battam said: "I am really looking forward to the challenge and have been overwhelmed by the support that I am receiving from friends and colleagues.

"I started off hoping to raise £500, then it was £1,000 and now I want to raise £1,500 for the charities. At the moment, I've got £1,200 in sponsorship.

"I have never ridden over 20 miles before so it is all a bit of a shock."

He added: "For Catherine and Robert the charities were hugely supportive while William was having his bone marrow transport, and we just want to give something back."

Mrs Curtis added: "We are so grateful for the support of our families and friends during William's treatment and are very excited that so many of them want to take part."

Mr Battam is taking his bodyboard with him and plans to catch some waves when he arrives in Devon.

To find out more, or to make a donation, visit justawalktothebeach.org

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