Bethany Fretwell suffers from idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) which means her blood doesn't clot properly, and mum Sam hopes some of the money she raises will go towards research for new treatments.

Sam will be joined by her partner John Watson and brother Derek Williamson in her trip from Holmfirth to Appleby in Westmorland and will split the money between the ITP support group and the Cavell Unit at Dewsbury and District Hospital, where Bethany is a patient.

Sam said: "There is no known cure for ITP. Beth has tried every treatment but there are some types which are not treatment responsive."
Bethany, 15, was diagnosed with ITP when she was six and has undergone surgery to remove her spleen. While treatments have failed to work, Sam said once Bethany turns 18 she can take part in medical trials.

She said: "Beth cuts and bruises more than she should, and when she had conjunctivitis last year her eyes were bleeding. She also had to cancel a holiday she had booked to Egypt with her dad because it was too dangerous for her to fly, and if she got ill the hospitals over there were ill-equipped to deal with her condition.

"She should be worrying about the normal things at her age, like boys and college, but she'll try anything and is a very bubbly, positive, hard working young lady. She pushes herself, perhaps too hard, but she doesn't let anything bother her."

Sam, who tries to fundraise every year, will be cycling in August. To donate money contact reporter Rebecca Draper at the News on 01924 472121 and she will pass on your contact details to Sam.