RAF Kinloss Take on Gruelling Round Scotland Challenge for EB Charity

3 teams from RAF Kinloss will raise money for charity DebRA in a challenge which includes cycling 1500 miles round Scotland. The charity helps people with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a condition which affects the daughter of Squadron Leader Andy Grist.
By: McLaughlin Gibson Communications
 
June 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Three teams from RAF Kinloss will take on a grueling Round Scotland Challenge to raise awareness and money for the charity DebRA which helps those with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).  One team will take on the mammoth task of cycling the coast and border of Scotland, whilst the other 2 teams kayak or walk the breadth of the country.

The cyclists will pedal over 1500 grueling miles round the coast of Scotland in 14 days, covering hills and mountains the equivalent of over 46,000ft.  The walkers have 6 days to cross some of Scotland’s most difficult terrain as they walk 172 miles from the furthest westerly point of the mainland back to RAF Kinloss.  The final team will use kayaks to cover 146 miles across the country in 6 days battling tides and weather to complete the challenge.

EB is a genetic disorder which causes the skin and internal body lining to blister at the slightest knock or rub, causing open painful wounds.  The most severe form is fatal in infancy.   Money raised for the charity DebRA goes towards specialist nurses, social care and the vital research into treatment and a cure.    Those with the condition have become known as ‘Butterfly Children’ because their skin is so fragile.  

The RAF Kinloss team is taking on the challenge thanks to Squadron Leader Andrew Grist, whose daughter Isla has a severe form of the condition.  Andy, who is leading the cycling team comments: “This is a huge team effort, from those of us physically carrying out the challenges to our support teams.  We have all been preparing and training hard, and don’t underestimate the scale of any of the three challenges. There is currently no cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa.  We are doing this to raise awareness and hope to raise money for essential research and specialist nursing support funded by DebRA.”

All three teams hope to finish at their final destination, Findhorn, at the same time on Friday 18th June.  They have created a special area on the website where supporters can view the routes and track each team’s movements live throughout the challenge.  www.skinforskin.co.uk.

The fund-raisers have been in training for months and have received support from Brodie Country Fare, Johnstons of Elgin, and The House of Bruar.  

Contact McLaughlin Gibson on 0141 440 6797 lisa@mgcomms.com / Sharon@mgcomms.com

Notes to Editors:
There will be a photo call on Friday 4th June at 8:30am at RAF Kinloss.  This will take place before the cycling team departs on their challenge.

EB is Epidermolysis Bullosa, the name of a group of genetic disorders causing blistering and shearing of the skin from even the gentlest friction, often from simple day to day activities.

Epidermolysis Bullosa literally means 'blistering breakdown of skin', which happens because the skin lacks one type of protein that normally helps to hold the two layers together.

Sufferers of EB are known as ‘Butterfly Children’ because the skin is as fragile as a butterfly wing.  The slightest pressure can cause severe blistering, bruising and ripping of skin.

DebRA is the international charity working on behalf of people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

DebRA was founded in 1978 by a group of parents whose children were affected by EB.

DebRA’s Celebrity Supporters include Vice Presidents Nell McAndrew, Chris Tarrant, Anthea Turner and Graham Norton.  Bill Nighy, Ian Wright and Jamie and Louise Redknapp are also longstanding supporters and fundraisers for the charity in the UK.  
The President of DebRA is Michael Portillo.
End
Source:McLaughlin Gibson Communications
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