Teeanger to cycle 235 miles in aid of disabled brother (From Mid Devon Star)

Teeanger to cycle 235 miles in aid of disabled brother

7:00pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

TEENAGER Samuel Smith is going the extra mile in aid of his disabled brother.

The youngster is preparing to spend his Easter holidays cycling from London to Paris to raise cash to support brother Sebastian, eight, who has a rare genetic condition.

It is believed Samuel, who turned 13 on Saturday, will become the youngest person ever to complete the 235-mile ride.

He said: “Some friends of my parents recently completed the same bike ride and they are old and unfit – and I thought if they could do it,I certainly can!”

The Wellington School student will ride to theFrenchcapital over four days with his dad Mike, while mum Claire will drive ahead.

He will be raising money for the Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS) Support Group after Sebastian was diagnosed with the condition.

RTS results in severe learning disabilities and physical and behavioural problems.

Samuel added: “I have been training with my dad, cycling up Burrow Hill, and I play loads of sport at school, so Ithink I will be able to achieve it.It will be a great family adventure.

“Sebastian is great. He's really random, and my friends love him, although he can be quite embarrassing sometimes, especially whenhe runs onto the rugby pitch to hug me when I am about to score a try.”

Dad Mike explained: “We knew Sebastian was different when he was bornand finallyhad a diagnosis for disability when he was about four after many years of genetic testing and trips to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“He is themost delightful child – always very sunny and happy and laughing. He has lots of very unusual gifts.

“He can recite the alphabet backwards at speed, spell any word forwards or backwards and pick out amazing tunes on the piano.”

Samuel has already raised more than£1,000 ahead of the challenge.

Find this story at middevon star.co.uk for ways to donate.