Medical cycle: Rylan, Don and Ray.
TOM BENNETT
FOURTEEN-year-old Rylan Bird and his 62-year-old grandfather Ray McNamara are on the ride of a lifetime.
The two cyclists are pedalling between Sydney and Geelong to raise money for Rylan’s father Don who suffers an extremely rare and life threatening medical condition.
The riders are doing their bit towards the $100,000 needed for treatment.
“The only doctor that specialises in the disease I have is based in New Jersey, so I must travel to the United States in search of a cure,” Mr Bird said.
Late last year he was diagnosed with a paralysed phrenic nerve, the tiny nerve that controls the operation of the diaphragm.
It affects his breathing and as a result he has only 40 percent lung capacity.
“I am in real trouble if I contract pneumonia or any other raspatory ailment,” Mr Bird said.
“Even a mild cold can cause serious scarring on my lungs.”
Rylan and his grandad left Sydney Opera House on Thursday on the 1000 kilometre nine-day journey.
The pair is scheduled to arrive at the Belmont Criterion Track at 12.30pm on October 8.
So far, the Bird family has raised about $60,000 for Don’s life saving journey.
“We are hoping Rylan and Ray’s marathon cycling effort will substantially add to that amount,” Mr Bird said.
He said previous fund raising activities included two trivia nights that poured more than $30,000 into the appeal coffers.
“The Geelong community have really got behind me. Their support has been overwhelming and I am very grateful,” he said.
