A charity virtual bicycle ride is coming to London Colney later this month, raising money for CDG UK, a charity supporting people affected by Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation.
Specsavers and PureGym, both based in Colney Fields Shopping Park, will be hosting the event.
Staff members from the two businesses, and any residents who'd like to join in, will be cycling the distance from London Colney to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, a key institution for CGD UK's research.
CGD is a rare genetic group of conditions that affect the body’s ability to attach sugar molecules to proteins throughout the body effectively.
These extremely rare and complex genetic, metabolic diseases can affect all parts of the body, including the brain.
Specsavers customers, Elle and Steve, have a daughter, Ruby, who is living with the condition.
Elle and Steve said that Ruby was diagnosed with CDG at the start of this year.
"She has had a difficult start with lots of hospitalisations, but she is a remarkably strong girl and amazes us with the strength she shows every day.
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"There is no cure for CDG yet, but with raised awareness, we can help to fund research into cures and life-changing treatments for children like Ruby."
The bike ride began on June 30, with the bicycles themselves supplied by Pure Gym, and most of the riders coming from Specsavers' local team.
Anybody who would like to take part in the fundraiser can do so by turning up and hopping on a bicycle for a few minutes. Fundraising buckets can be found across the park, and in both Pure Gym and Sainsbury's.
Speaking ahead of the bike ride, store trainer and organiser of the fundraiser, Philippa Akester, said they are "so honoured" to have Pure Gym's help in raising money for CDG UK.
"Hearing about Ruby and her life with this condition has been so inspiring, and riding from London Colney to Great Ormond’s Street is the least we can do to support them.
"Make sure you come down to cheer your very own local businesses on as we ride for Ruby this July."
You can donate by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/page/philippa-akester-1718821271258.
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