A leading solicitor with an incurable degenerative disorder will be amongst a group of cyclists taking part in a sponsored bike ride in Israel in aid of Norwood, a charity which helps people with learning disabilities and children and families in need. The 380km five-day adventure, from 19-27 November, will cover the scenic route from Ashkelon to Eilat and involve crossing notoriously difficult terrain in the Negev desert.
One of the participants Douglas Silas, 44, from Finchley, has Cerebellar Ataxia, a rare, degenerative and incurable disorder of the nervous system. As a result, he is steadily losing control of his eyesight, speech, and the co-ordination of his limbs, although the condition does not affect his cognitive ability or life expectancy.
Following his diagnosis in 2004, Douglas, who now uses a wheelchair, started to undertake a strict regime of physical training in an attempt to strengthen his body and, hopefully, counteract the worst effects of his condition. Although his co-ordination and balance, double vision and fatigue levels may present problems for him, by using a specially built three-wheel recumbent trike, and through the support of friends Paul Tuhrim and Stephen Harrison, who are Norwood international cyclists, he is determined to overcome these obstacles and try and raise an incredible £50,000 for Norwood by completing the ride.
Father of three Douglas, whose legal firm specialises in representing children with special educational need and who has recently been shortlisted by the Law Society for its prestigious ‘Solicitor of the Year’ award, said: “The doctors in charge of my medical care advised me early on that whatever I wanted to do in life, I should try to do earlier rather than later. So I am trying to cram the rest of my life into a few years.
“I have realised that if I do not do a bike ride now I may never have the opportunity again, so I want to maximise what I can raise for Norwood whilst taking part in a challenge of a lifetime.”
Douglas will be joined by fellow cyclist Michael Cash, 37, who has Cerebral Palsy. Michael, who lives in north London and works for online maths tuition company Whizz Education, learnt about the challenge through Norwood’s Chair of Patronage Ronnie Harris, with whom he will be riding tandem. He has since been training hard for the challenge and has raised over £3,000 for the Charity over the past three months. He says: “I really enjoy the buzz and sense of achievement I get whilst cycling. Everyone has been really encouraging and supportive and I look forward to taking part.”
Ian Tate, Norwood’s Business Development Manager for Challenges, said: “Douglas and Michael’s determination to live life to the full and help others despite the challenges they face is an inspiration to us all and I wish them the best of luck on the ride. The money they and other participants will raise is vital to Norwood and will help us to provide life-changing services that benefit some of the most vulnerable people in the community, some of whom will also take part in tandem teams.”
To sponsor Douglas, visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/DouglasSilas
To sponsor Michael, visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/MichaelCash
If you would like more information on the Israel Bike Ride or other Norwood Challenges, please contact Judith Barnett on 0208 429 6811 or e-mail judith.barnett@norwood.org.uk
