Bikers from Caithness and Sutherland urged to join teddy tour to help five-year-old
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Motorcyclists from Caithness and Sutherland are being encouraged to take part in a fundraising ride to help a five-year-old boy who has an incurable illness.
Jeffrey Charlesworth, from Lancashire, has the rare CLN2 Batten disease and requires specialist treatment. He was diagnosed in May this year after battling with what his family thought was epilepsy for 18 months.
It is estimated that between 30 and 50 children in the UK are affected by the neurodegenerative disorder. Those diagnosed with the illness have a life expectancy of six to 12 years.
Jeffrey will start to lose his sight, his speech, control of his body and the ability to chew and eat. The disease will also cause dementia.
To help generate funds for the youngster's family, as well as boosting awareness of the condition, a teddy mascot called Jeffrey DaBear is being taken around the country on a biker relay. Money is being collected along the route and each rider is donating £10 to take part.
The nationwide tour is due to reach Orkney this Sunday and will continue to Caithness on Saturday, October 2.
After arriving at Gills Bay, the far-travelled teddy will be escorted by several bikers from Orkney on the short journey along the coast to John O'Groats, assembling there between 9am and 9.30am.
John Foster, who is involved in organising the tour, is keen to see as many motorcyclists as possible joining in and supporting the cause.
As they travel down to Inverness the riders will be stopping at Brora around 10.30am for an ice-cream break and some more fundraising.
“It is hoped more bikers will join us before we arrive at Inverness to hand Jeffrey's bear to the person doing the next leg,” said John, of the family-run business Orkney Trike Tours, based at Deerness.
The Highland part of the tour also includes a visit to Nairn.
"It's just raising awareness of Batten disease and also a fun ride out before winter sets in," John added.
"Jeffrey is undergoing experimental treatment and he has to go to Great Ormond Street Hospital to have it done. It's not a cure, but it slows the progression of the disease."
Updates on the fundraising activities can be found on the Jeffrey's Biker Journey Facebook page.
