Cycling round the clock

TWO Warrington men cycled around the clock to help a friend who has a rare debilitating condition.
Tom Sherrington, 25, who works in the fitness suite at the Warrington campus of the University of Chester, decided to take part in the challenge after his friend Hayley Watson was affected with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
Hayley was affected following an allergic reaction to an injection she received when preparing for a trip to Africa. She has been left paralysed from the neck downwards, confined to a wheelchair and has been receiving rehabilitation treatment at Trafford General Hospital during the past year.
Tom and his friend John Gartland decided to complete a 24-hour cycling marathon in relay in the fitness suite. They each completed 30-minute stints and hope to raise more than £2,500 for the GBS Support Group.
GBS affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It causes the nerves in the arms and legs to become inflamed and causes sudden weakness leading to limb paralysis and a loss of sensation.
John, 24, a sales advisor, said: “We met Hayley at university where we were all studying Sports Science. She is an amazing person who wanted to make a difference to the lives of children suffering with AIDS in Africa by coaching football to them. Unfortunately, in contracting GBS, it has meant that so far, she has not had the chance to.
“Complications that she has suffered since being diagnosed with the condition have meant that her recovery is taking longer than expected. Nobody really knows what causes a person to get GBS and so we really wanted to try and make a difference to Hayley’s life as well as others who suffer with GBS, and help get her back on the road of recovery.”
Professor Peter Harrop, pro vice-chancellor and provost of the campus said: “I’m sure all staff and students at the university will echo my best wishes in this very worthwhile endeavour.”
Anyone who wants to donate to the fundraising should visit www.justgiving.com/John-Tom