Phil Cox

Challow & Childrey C.C. player Phil Cox is attempting the brave challenge of cycling from Lands End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in Scotland.

Cox will begin the journey from the Cornish landmark on May 11^th with the 925 mile route planned to take 12 gruelling days.

The ride is to raise money for the Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group who provide support and information for parents and families of those living with Cri Du Chat and try to raise awareness of the disorder.

Cri Du Chat Syndrome is a chromosomal  disorder (also known as 5p-, as the condition is caused by a deletion on the 5th chromosome) which causes severe disability. Children born with Cri Du Chat experience developmental delay in early childhood and have lifelong learning, physical, speech and language difficulties.

Having fallen across the syndrome by chance, Cox used a life-long ambition to help show his support:

“Our daughter was born and went into special care straight away and we were with a family who had their boy Matias diagnosed (with the syndrome) while we were there.

“I caught up with the little fella’s dad a couple of years ago who had been on the local news about carers respites.

“I’d always harboured riding from Lands End to John O’Groats so I thought that this would be a nice connection.

“I just want to raise as much for them as possible”.

Cox will be joined for some of the legs by Matias’ father Damian as well as a number of friends from the charity who will be taking a short break from their magnificent work to show their support.

If anybody would like to support Phil with any type of donation either:

Text PCOX99 £xx to 70070 (amounts of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 – please take a moment to complete the Gift Aid form too)

 Or

 Visit the Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/philslejog2012

From everybody at the LCA we wish Phil the best of luck with his challenge.

Words by Martin Key