Sister inspires teen to cycle in aid of premature births research (From Swindon Advertiser)

Sister inspires teen to cycle in aid of premature births research

5:30pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Local By Emma Dunn

A TEENAGER has been inspired by his sister to get in the saddle for charity.

Toby Heaton, 15, of Purton, will be cycling 300 miles from London to Paris in August to raise funds for Tommy’s charity, which works to fund medical research into the causes of premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.

Toby’s sister, Lissy, 11, was born prematurely and he has been inspired by her and other members of his family who were born early to take on the challenge.

“My sister and my cousins were all born 10 weeks prematurely and Tommy’s charity funds research and provides information,” he said.

“I am quite into cycling and I just thought it would be a good thing to do.”

Toby said he is looking forward to the challenge but he will only be able to go if he raises £1,550 by the end of May.

He has raised £450 so far, some of which has been raised by John Toomer’s Pet Shop, in Lydiard Millicent.

“All the money that I raise is going to go towards Tommy’s,” he said.

“When my sister was born she was in special care. Tommy’s funds research into premature births and that is one of the reasons my sister survived.

“I was four years old when she was born and I can remember it vaguely.

“My mum and dad are really pleased that I took the initiative to do it.

“And I think my sister is quite flattered that I’m doing it because of her.”

Tommy’s funds three research centres in the UK, including St Thomas’ in London, St Mary’s in Manchester and the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, which focus their research efforts on different issues relating to pregnancy.

As well as funding research, Tommy’s also provides a dedicated telephone midwife service, a comprehensive website and free books and leaflets designed to promote health in pregnancy and pre-pregnancy.

The charity’s target is to halve the number of babies that die during pregnancy or birth by 2030.

Toby will be cycling from London to Dover on the first day and will finish under the Eiffel Tower after five days of cycling.

“It’s going to be quite a challenge but I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

Toby, who is a member of the North Wilts road club, will be cycling alongside about 200 other people raising money for charity at the same time.

To sponsor Toby’s fundraising for Tommy’s, log on to www.tommys.org/tobyheaton