Andrew Douglas-Smith reports on his cycle ride
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The idea of biking for Behçet’s came after my mum took part in the interferon-alpha trial at Moorfields Hospital. When I went back home from university over the Christmas and Easter breaks, I noticed a remarkable difference in her. She was able to walk, pain free, and as a result was much happier. However, within weeks of the trial ending, her Behçet’s disease symptoms returned, so activities such as horse riding and walking the dogs were once again impossible.
The hugely improved quality of life she had when on the trial, a quality of life she has not had for over 14 years, gave me the idea to cycle from the family home near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, to Evesham, Worcs, where Chris Phillips, the director of the BSS works, via Cambridge and Northampton.
The ride started at 8.30am on Monday 23 June. After about an hour of riding, I remembered that during my packing the night before, I had left the pump behind. Thankfully, mum was able to drive out to Haverhill with it. Fortunately for me, I did not need it throughout the ride – the bike managed to hold together for the whole ride, which is more than can be said about the rider!
After a full day of riding, and a quick refuel stop at a friend’s house in Northampton, I arrived at around 8pm in Harbury, where I would spend the night with relatives. Needless to say, I was very pleased to get off the bike, after 123 miles.
Day 2 was going to be a challenge. I had to continue heading west to Evesham, and then double back to start the return leg. After another 8.30 start, I arrived in Evesham and was greeted by Anne-Marie Phillips, who took photos and told me a bit about the local history. Unfortunately, I had to leave at 11 in order to get back in time. So I was straight back on the road out of Evesham.
I was in high spirits on the return leg, knowing that each mile was getting me a little bit closer to home. Just outside Daventry, I managed to reach 36 mph. Unfortunately for me, it was in a 30 mph speed limit, and the car behind was a police car. However, the police thought it was hilarious and gave me a thumbs up as they passed.
A quick stop in Northampton again for more water and food was next, followed by a trip down country lanes to Huntingdon, Cambs, where the family used to live. This was where I spent the second night with friends, after 139 miles on day 2, for most of which I was pedalling against the wind with a sore knee.
Day 3 was probably the most difficult, despite it only being 60 miles, as by this point I was very sore and stiff. Again, an 8am start saw me on the road speeding towards Soham and Newmarket, before coming off the main road and down country lanes to the family home, where I was greeted by a very proud mum, 312 miles later, at 1pm
The ride generated a lot of publicity, with BBC Radio Suffolk hosting an interview with mum and myself. Local newspapers also got involved, including the East Anglia Daily Times (one of the articles can be found at www.suffolkfreepress.co.uk/news/Mum39s-illness-inspires-son-to.4198272.jp).
We received a great number of donations, with a large number of donations being paid through www.justgiving.com/bike_for_behcets. Approximately £1,450 has been raised, smashing the £1,300 target I had set myself. I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who showed their support in the preparation of the ride and all those who donated and helped along the ride.
