A COUPLE from Benfleet will begin a 600-mile sponsored bike ride to raise money for the rare condition Dravet syndrome.
Health improvement practitioner Ben Barber and his girlfriend Carmen Neagu will set off from Ness Point in Suffolk on Saturday and aim to cycle for 50 to 70 miles a day until they reach Land’s End in Cornwall. Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy.
Ben, who works at St Peter’s Hospital in Maldon, said: “We have chosen Dravet as our cause because Carmen’s youngest niece, who is three-years-old, has been diagnosed with the condition.
“We’ve seen her go through some tough times.
“We are funding the trip ourselves and any money raised will go to the Association for Dravet Romania.
“It will be used to help families get an earlier diagnosis and to reduce the cost to families of purchasing the various medications and treatments that help to control the condition.”
Ben and Carmen, both aged 25 and from Benfleet, will be travelling alone with their bikes and tents as they cycle for ten to 12 days. To donate, visit carben itavsdravet.blogspot.co.uk
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