News release - Student cycles for the Gift of Sight
June 2 2009
A Southampton Solent University student, who suffers from a debilitating eye disease, will be spending a month of his summer break cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats to raise money for the Gift of Sight appeal.
Chris Browning, 19, and his childhood friend Nick Dawson, also 19, will start the 1200 mile cycle ride on June 14. They have so far raised £2000 for the Gift of Sight appeal that raises funds for a local research centre based at Southampton General Hospital.
The first-year yacht and powerboat design student was just 14 when he was diagnosed with Cone Dystrophy – a hereditary disease resulting in a continual loss of vision, sensitivity to bright lights and poor colour vision. Chris – who has recently been registered as partially sighted - shares the condition with his father, who is now registered as blind.
Andrew Lotery, Professor of Opthalmology at the University of Southampton, established the Gift of Sight appeal in July 2004 with the aim of funding world-class research into the prevention and treatment of blindness. He says: "What Chris and Nick are doing is absolutely fantastic. We are making real progress in our research and ultimately I believe we will be able to cure retinal conditions such as cone dystrophy and age related macular degeneration. However, to achieve this we need funds to support the research work. We are extremely grateful to Chris and Nick for their efforts to help. Please consider supporting them."
Chris – a patient of Professor Andrew Lotery – wants to raise funds for further research into sight-related conditions in a bid to give both himself and others a brighter future.
He says: "It's great that I can combine my love of cycling with raising awareness and much needed funds for a great cause. As well as my condition, both Nick and I have grandmothers who suffer from eye disease, making this a matter close to both of our hearts. It won't be easy but we've got some great support. My mum and uncle are giving up their time to drive the route and provide emotional and material back up, so it's a real family affair."
You can sponsor Chris and Nick online at www.justgiving.com/end-end2009||.
For more information about the Gift of Sight visit www.giftofsight.org.uk||
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE PRESS OFFICE ON 02380 319 040