Swindon cyclists lead team over 900 miles through Spain to raise money for CRPS UK

By Jamie Hill - 8 October 2019

FitnessCommunity

A small team of keen cyclists led by Swindon men Ricardo de Fazio and David Cunningham have cycled over 900 miles for charity, raising over £3000 along the way.

Setting out last month and driving to San Sebastian in Northern Spain the men were joined by the rest of the team before setting off on two wheels down to Malaga on the Costa del Sol.

They arrived nine days later after a tough journey which included crossing the Pyrenees. Luckily the ride was fairly uneventful other than dealing with excessive temperatures, some days hitting 40°C.

David said: "The team were going to do the ride for fun but then I suggested riding for a charity important to him; CRPS UK, who look after those with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).

"They chose this charity because my wife has the condition following a relatively minor ankle sprain and subsequent surgery.

"Nichola was previously very active, doing gym classes, running, and swimming and had recently graduated from university after a change of career.

"To say the condition has impacted on her family is an understatement. She now relies on a wheelchair indoors and her chair or mobility scooter outdoors. The prognosis is unclear but after having the condition for almost five years now, it's not looking good."

CRPS is a chronic and debilitating neurological pain condition which can affect any limb and potentially any part of the body. Why some people get it and others don't is unknown, neither is there any known cure nor definitive treatment. The pain from this condition is the highest rated pain on the McGill pain scale; worse than childbirth or amputation without anaesthetic.

The pain felt is usually described as intense burning and stinging; like severe sunburn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As well as the pain many people have a range of secondary conditions with CRPS which can affect their ability to walk, talk or just carry out daily functions independently. It really is a life changing condition.

CRPS UK have provided support for Nichola and her family and were able to signpost her to treatment and rehabilitation options, self care support, access to an online "family" of others with the condition and as a result has been able to connect with others locally.

The charity also fund regular meet ups around the country, a 2 day conference with speakers and interactive sessions, booklets and leaflets and are also supporting research into the condition.

The fundraising page is still open at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/North2South1

There is more about the charity at www.crps-uk.org

For more information about CRPS visit https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Complex-Regional-Pain-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet

Greenbridge roundabout is turning orange on 4th November for CRPS awareness day

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