Oliver Elsworth and his team of passionate cyclists visited Gloucester on Monday, July 17 as part of a fundraiser and awareness campaign for the Phelan McDermid Syndrome Foundation of Australia.
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Oliver’s six year old son Ted has the condition that effects only 72 Australians and 1400 people worldwide.
Ted was diagnosed with the syndrome at two years of age and is non-verbal with a range of other medical issues.
"It's something of a rocky road having a child with Phelan McDermid Syndrome or any child with a rare disease to be honest,” he said.
“Nobody seems to have any answers for you, there are no comforting words of wisdom, essentially the medical profession is underwhelming in its knowledge on the subject."
The team started the ride on Sunday, July 16 at the Sydney Opera House and is expected to finish at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium by the weekend. They will cycle approximately 1100 kilometres on the ride.
Oliver has set a target of $15,000 to be raised for the charity. It had reached $12,560 when the group reached Gloucester.
The Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation Australia will hold a conference in September to learn from specialists about the syndrome and find answers to its symptoms.
Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/wheeling-for-phelan.