Brave mum has inspired 3,500-mile charity ride
INSPIRED by the bravery of his mum, 22-year-old Damian Hartley is setting out on a 3,500-mile motorcycle ride around the UK coast – in just 10 days.
He is hoping to raise 10,000 for two charities – Cancer Research UK and Kidney Research UK – and raise awareness of the two medical conditions which have badly affected his mum's health.
June Hartley was born with Engelmann's Disease (Progressive Diaphyseal Dysplasis), which causes brittle bones, and underwent a kidney transplant at the age of 30.
Then in 1994 she was diagnosed with skin cancer and later with breast cancer, caused by the intensive medication she needed following her transplant.
Despite being warned that she might not be able to have children, June has two sons – Damian and 20-year-old Colin who was also born with Engelmann's Disease.
"Despite everything, my mum is a very positive, cheerful person who doesn't let things get her down," said Damian, who works a self-employed lighting technician in the entertainment industry.
"I can remember her having to go into hospital a lot when I was little but she's been a brilliant mum."
Damian, of Plains Lane, Elland, will set off next August to travel 3,500 miles anti-clockwise around the UK's coastal roads, starting and ending in Whitby.
He is being sponsored by the motorcycle claims and accident management company BLD Group, which has a branch in Brighouse.
The company is providing Damian with a Suzuki 650 Bandit and helmet and he's now trying to find sponsorship for accommodation and food for him and his support team.
"I'm having to get organised because this week I'm off to work on a cruise ship in the Red Sea for six months.
"I'll be back in May then it'll be all systems go for the bike ride," he said.
"My mum was born with Engelmann's Disease which eventually led to kidney failure when she was 18.
"She was put on dialysis at the age of 24 and then had a kidney transplant at St James's Hospital in Leeds when she was 30. She is the reason I am doing the charity ride."
In 1994 June, now 60, went into hospital because of lumps on her arms.
Skin cancer was diagnosed and she still needs hospital treatment from time to time to have new lumps removed.
Six years ago, a malignant lump was found on her breast and she had a mastectomy the same day.
The medication that she took following her kidney transplant is thought to be responsible for the cancer.
She said: "I was given a new lease of life 30 years ago with my transplant and, even with what I know now, I wouldn't change it for the world.
"I would rather be here with all my health problems than not be here.
"I was told I wouldn't have children and I have two fantastic lads.
"Transplant surgery can make such a difference to people's lives and it so important that people are willing to be organ donors.
"They're making such huge improvements in treatment all the time. Obviously I'm a bit anxious about Damian attempting this journey but I think it's great that he's prepared to do it."
Damian said: "I think it's going to be physically quite demanding and I'm going to try and get to the gym to prepare.
"On the longest day I'll be doing 388 miles and be on the road for 11 hours which will be hard on my shoulders and back.
"We're going through places such as Newcastle, Edinburgh, Blackpool and Brighton at the height of summer so I'm hoping that people will come out and support me.
"I should be easy to spot in my customised helmet and pink T-shirt and it would great if bikers joined up for a ride and gave me support along the way."
Two friends – Andrew Kettle and Joe Bridge – will be following Damian in a Land Rover with a trailer.
"I'm hoping to get a camera fitted on my helmet or on the bike so that I can record the journey and make a DVD," said Damian who started out working on lighting for shows at Brooksbank School, Elland, and now works in theatres, at festivals, corporate events and dance shows.
Mike Macmillan, BLD's claims director, said: "We are delighted to give Damian a head-start in his quest to raise money for hi chosen charities and to support him on the event itself."
Engelmann's Disease Fact File
Progressive diaphyseal dysplasia (Engelmann's Disease) is a hereditary disorder that begins in childhood.
The disease is slowly progressive and, while there is no cure, there is treatment.
Patients complain of chronic bone pain in the legs or arms and muscle weakness. Some other clinical problems associated with the disease are increased fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, headache and difficulty gaining weight. It may also affect internal organs.
For more information about Damian Hartley's preparations or to sponsor him contact www.roundthecoast.org.uk
His 3,500 mile journey will start at Whitby, take in Teesside, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, John O'Groats, Dumfries, Blackpool, Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol, Land's End, Plymouth, Southampton, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Hull, Scarborough and finish back at Whitby.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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