Get spinning in memory of Guernseyman

Friday 30 August 2019

A fundraising event this weekend will raise money towards the cure of a rare disease which claimed the life of a Guernseyman last year.

Kings Premier Health Club is hosting the charity Spinathon on Saturday to help raise money for the Cure CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) Campaign.

Club Receptionist, Emma Mills and Club Member Holly Pearson have organised it as part of their fundraising ahead of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro next month, which is the main event for their fundraising efforts for a cause which is very close to their hearts.

They are taking on both challenges along with a close friend whose father, who they have chosen not to name, was diagnosed with CJD in October 2017.  He sadly passed away just a few months later in March 2018. 

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is described as 'a rare, degenerative, fatal brain disorder'. It has been described as 'Alzheimers, Parkinson's, Huntingdon's and Motor Neurone disease all rolled into one'.  There is currently no cure.

Since the gentleman's death, his family and friends have thrown their focus into making a difference to others who face a similar diagnosis and a small group, including Holly and Emma will travel to Africa in just a few week's time to attempt to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. At 5,895m it is the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

Pictured above and top: The spinning bikes at Kings will be put to good use to raise money for charity this weekend. 

The Spinathon, between 08:30 and 12:30 on Saturday 31 August, will boost their overall fundraising total and some last minute spaces are available if anyone wants to take part.

Together the team say they are "aiming to re-write the prognosis for others who face the disease which stole away a much-loved father and friend in such devastating fashion just over a year ago".