Last updated at 15:49, Friday, 20 July 2012

A TEAM of bikers were today set to ride 140 miles after they were touched by the story of a schoolboy who has an incurable kidney condition.

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Millom Bike Club was due to leave Millom Square at 5.45pm and head to Knott-End-on-Sea in Lancashire to raise money for the Nephrotic Syndrome Trust.

The club organised the fundraiser after reading about seven-year-old Millom boy Jack Mossop, who was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in 2008.

The Evening Mail reported earlier this month how the St James’ Catholic Primary School pupil underwent six-months of chemotherapy and appeared to be winning his battle with the illness, but had a relapse after almost three years of respite.

Bike group treasurer Abb Chambers, of Bank Head, Haverigg, said: “We tend to do charity rides for Pride of Cumbria Air Ambulance, but we often support other, smaller causes, and this seemed a good one.

“It’s what we call a Chairman’s Ride and our chairman has a young lad himself, about seven, and he thought how easily it could have been his lad (with the illness) and he’s set everything up for it.”

Jack’s dad Trevor, who works for James Fisher Nuclear in Egremont, thanked the bike club and other organisations and individuals for their generosity.

He said the trust was due to receive contributions from Millom Carnival committee, Millom Rugby League Football Club, and the town’s kick boxing club.

Mr Mossop, of Lowther Road, Millom, said Jack’s condition had improved and the Millom RL under-8s player had even won gold in the 20-metre sprint and long jump, and silver in the relay, at the Millom schools’ Olympics.

He said: “We monitor him every day, come what may, whether he is well or ill.

“When he has a relapse, we have got to start the medication straight away.

“The longer he can stay off the steroids, the better. It’s just a case of hoping it doesn’t become a more frequent occurrence, so touch wood.”

Jack’s family have so far raised £1,600 for the trust and people can contribute at www.justgiving.com/Laura-Mossop.

First published at 16:12, Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk