A CYSTIC fibrosis sufferer has cycled 100 miles around London and Surrey to raise money to combat the disease.
Daniel Hurrell took part in the RideLondon to Surrey 100 cycling event earlier this month to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The 25-year-old from Witham only found out he had the condition when he was 18, after years of suffering with a persistent cough and intermittent breathing difficulties.
"Even though I've had it since birth, with a constant cough since I was 11, it took a long time for doctors to finally test me.
"I was always fairly healthy and did a lot of cycling so the illness didn't show until around 16 or 17. It's about getting a balance with exercise – I can cycle a bike and only cough a bit, but sometimes even going up flights of stairs can make me out of breath," said Mr Hurrell.
The RideLondon to Surrey saw nearly 20,000 cyclists follow the Olympic road race route from 2012, starting at the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and finishing at The Mall.
Daniel's time of seven hours 52 minutes meant he completed the challenge quicker than many other participants who did not have chronic lung conditions.
Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition and of the many suffers, only half live to celebrate their 40th birthday.
It causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation.
"I cycle two to three times a week, 20 miles each weekend, before cycling from Witham to Southend and back – which is about 70 miles – I follow the main roads and cut off through little villages.
"The support I got from family and friends as well as spectators was great. My jersey said, 'I have cystic fibrosis' so people started cheering when I went past and shouting my name.
"It was weird to have people I didn't know call out my name, but it gave me a huge amount of encouragement and made me push on even harder.
"Since diagnosis I've wanted to do some sort of fundraising event, initially I entered the marathon but was too ill, then I started to ride again in January," added the Dixons merchandiser.
Daniel's next plan is to take on the London to Brighton cycle challenge, adding: "After doing 100 miles around London, 54 miles to Brighton doesn't seem as much of a challenge."
He also has his eyes on taking part in the London to Paris ride next April, "I would aim to do 100 miles each day over five weeks," added Mr Hurrell.
So far he has raised nearly £800, with a target of £1,500.
To sponsor Daniel visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/danielhurrell
