A GRANDAD has just completed a cycle ride from London to Cornwall to raise funds to send his grandson to Canada for medical treatment for a rare life-limiting condition.

Steve Crosby, from Batton, Wiltshire, planned a bike ride from London to Cubert, Newquay, to raise funds to send his grandson, Patch, to Canada for specialist medical treatment.

Patch, who is now aged two, was born with the profound, rare, life-limiting brain disorder Microlissencephaly. He is mentally and physically disabled, non-verbal, non-mobile and prone to seizures, but Steve says he has smiles and a laugh that would light up any dark place.

Patch’s family have been fundraising to send Patch to the SMILE centre in Toronto. The Sensory Motor Integrated Learning Experience for Kids centre offers specialist methods in helping children with brain disorders. The hope is that this treatment will improve Patch’s quality of life.

Steve planned his cycle ride from the Children’s Trust in London to Patch’s home in Cubert, stopping on the way at the Little Harbour Hospice, St Austell. The Children’s Trust and The Little Harbour have both provided treatment and support to Patch and a proportion of funds raised will be donated to these two charities.

At the end of day 1, at Petersfield in Hampshire, Steve posted: “The family are blown away by everyone’s generosity, thank you very much. Day 1 ticked off, London to Petersfield, seen off by son Dave (thanks for getting me to the startline Dave), and Sue Jeeves and Richard Percival of the Children’s Trust. Enjoyed riding in the Surrey Hills, especially the Box Hill descent! Special mention to the staff at the Premier Inn, Petersfield.”

Steve’s route through Cornwall took him via Saltash and then west parallel to the South East Cornwall coast. As a result of his efforts the JustGiving page exceeded its target of £5,000 and raised the sum of £5,200.

On Saturday Steve posted: “Ride for Patch finished! Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has generously given and those who have provided encouragement and company on the road, you are all amazing! Due to your support, Patch will now be going to the SMILE center in Toronto in March. Special shout out to Alice for providing much needed tea at the Little Harbour Hospice and to our son Sam who cycled the final 20 miles.”

Although the target figure was reached, if you would like to help Steve and his family support Patch further please donate via Steve’s Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/riding-for-patch?utm_term=WYDm7rMjQ