Showing what CF sufferers can do
L12-171 Simon Stodhart, Cystic Fibrosis sufferer, running and cycling for CF Trust from John O'Groats to lands End. Lives in Luton Bev Creagh JR 6 8.2.12
COURAGEOUS cystic fibrosis survivor Simon Stothard is on the campaign trail again.
The 29-year-old council information officer of Langdale Road in Dunstable is gearing up for a 1,000 mile cycle ride from John O’Groats to Lands End in June – and he’s keen to spread the message that being born with CF isn’t a life sentence.
Friends of his recently had a baby diagnosed with the condition.
“They were new parents, looking up facts and figures on the internet, and all they got was horror stories,” Simon explained.
“I want people to look at someone like me who’s really active so they realise what can be achieved,” he said.
Simon is a role model who has raised thousands for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. His contribution was recognised recently when he won the Adult Achiever award at Luton’s Best.
Past adventures have included climbing Ben Nevis twice, taking part in the London Marathon three times and cycling from Dunstable to its twin town – Porz Am Rhein in Germany.
In addition he’s completed the New York marathon and countless half marathons as well as entering his first duathlon in January.
Simon said: “I was spurred on by my parents.
“Sadly my father John, who was my coach, died in 2008. He was in the middle of organising a cycling event which I took over and completed in his memory.”
The former Queensbury pupil admits he’s fortunate being able to contain his symptoms with vigorous training: “But some are not so lucky.
“Each week across the UK five babies are born with CF and three young people die.
“That’s why I do what I do – to encourage others in a similar situation and to bring hope to new parents whose babies have cystic fibrosis.”
He and two friends – Derek Wood and Mark Bryce from Stevenage – will take part in the June charity challenge when Simon is hoping to complete the trip in nine days, wiping 24 hours off his previous record.
“It’s less days but the same mileage,” he said. “So it’s going to be much more difficult than last time.
“But I always prefer the actual event to the organising – that really is hard work.”
> Sponsor Simon at www.justgiving.com/endtoend2012
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Weather for Luton
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
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Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
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