A NEWPORT man is cycling from London to Paris to raise awareness of a disease which has affected a number of members in his family.

Chris Thomas, 36, of Cae Perllan Road, will set off on September 26 to cycle 320 miles over four days in aid of the Huntington’s Disease Association after family members including his mum have died as a result of suffering from the disease.

Mr Thomas himself is also in the stages of finding out if he is affected.

Huntington’s Disease is a hereditary disorder of the central nervous system and can lead to involuntary movements and difficulty in speech.

Mr Thomas’ mother Jennifer died aged 56, in November 2003 after being diagnosed with the disease around six years before. She died after catching a bug in hospital while undergoing an operation to have a tube fitted so she could be fed through her stomach due to her struggling to swallow.

At the time of her death, Mrs Thomas was wheelchair bound, had poor speech and was dependent on her family.

Mr Thomas’ grandfather Edgar Walters also died as a result of the disease as did Mr Thomas’ aunt Gillian who died aged 57 a year after her sister.

Children of an affected parent have a 50 per cent chance of having the disease and Mr Thomas’ brother Jason, 40, who is currently serving as a Corporal in the RAF regiment in Oxford was diagnosed two months ago. He is currently showing no symptoms of the disease.

Chris Thomas is now going through counselling sessions all potential sufferers undergo before he finds out if he has the disease.

He said: "I just wanted to do something to try and raise awareness of the disease and help the charity."

To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/CHRISTOPHER-THOMAS4