Owen & Peter Jones’ Dutch Dash for Genetic Disease Research
“Seeing the profound contribution that is being made by Sheffield researchers has given me hope that individuals really can make a difference.”
They did it!
Owen & Peter completed their 700km bike ride on 2nd April, raising over £1,400 for Genetic Disease Research. A big thank you for all the hard work, we're so proud of you!
This March, Owen and his dad Peter will be hopping on their bikes in aid of Genetic Disease Research.
They plan a round trip, from Sheffield to the Netherlands and back, with a main stop off in the Dutch city, Groningen. Aptly, Groningen, is a cyclist’s paradise. Where bikes are the primary form of inter-city transport.
Through his job at the University, Owen has seen first hand the positive impact of fundraising can have. And Peter, now a retired GP, knows the devastating impact a genetic disease diagnosis can have on families. That’s why Owen and Peter have decided to pump up their tires and hit the roads in support of Genetic Disease research.
We wish you the best of luck OJ and PJ, the Sheffield hills will make for some good training!
Owen and Peter's Story:
What made you choose to take on this challenge and why?
Groningen is a cyclist's paradise - a city where a bicycle is the main form of inter-city travel, 61% in fact which rises to 70% when you count journeys to and from educational institutions.
Through Erasmus funding, an opportunity arose for me to visit Groningen University as part of a knowledge exchange and being a keen cyclist, it seemed to make sense that I should aim to cycle there and back.
The idea was barely out of my mouth before my old man, Peter, told me he was coming and it was his suggestion to raise some money in the process (having done several long distance cycle challenges for Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust) and we couldn’t think of a better cause to support than the University’s own Genetic Disease Research Appeal.
What does fundraising for GDR at the University of Sheffield mean to you?
It is easy to feel helpless in the face of challenges such as genetic disease. However, working at the University and seeing for myself the profound contribution that is being made by researchers, here in Sheffield, has given me hope that individuals can make a difference.
Please donate generously, it is such a worthwhile cause and your contributions really are turning the tide against these terrible conditions.
How do you feel about taking on this challenge?
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly nervous but I am bolstered by the fact that the Netherlands is thankfully glass flat in comparison to the seven hills of Sheffield. The distance will be a challenge however, as will be keeping up with my Dad, who at the age of 68 still leaves me in the dust on every cycle ride we go on.
Do you have any advice for those who might be considering taking on a similar challenge?
Start training early and train often. If you can invite someone to join you on the challenge. A friend, family member or colleague can really help push you to keep up fitness.. even in January.