Dad pedals off in memory of baby son

6:06pm Wednesday 31st March 2004

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A FARMER from Harpenden is embarking on a 1,000 mile bike journey from Land's End to John O'Groats on Sunday in memory of his baby son.

Mr Ian Pigott's first child Findlay died last April aged 12 weeks after being born with a serious genetic skin condition.

Called Herlitz Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), it causes constant, spontaneous blistering and shearing of the skin from even the gentlest friction. The condition is incurable and there is no effective treatment.

The condition was recently highlighted by a Channel 4 documentary on the last months in the life of Jonny Kennedy, who lived with EB for 36 years until his death in September.

All the money Mr Pigott, 34, and four friends raise will be given to the charity Debra, which is devoted to the highly specialised medical care that EB demands and supporting sufferers and their families.

Mr Pigott, who lives on Thrales End Farm in Harpenden with his wife Gillian, said he was inspired to go on the ride by his friend Dick Green, who will join him on his journey.

Mr Pigott said: "I was really touched when my oldest friend Dick Green suggested the Land's End to John O'Groats bike ride in aid of Debra.

"Because of Debra, we had three treasured months together at home as a family.

"The EB nurses travelled to see us at least once a week and were always available by phone, day or night, to offer support and guidance on Findlay's care."

Mr Green, 34, from Toddington, said: "Findlay was a gorgeous little boy who touched the lives of many people. When I first learned about his condition I was overwhelmed because I had never heard of it before.I did not understand the cruel and agonising implications of it."

The Five Friends Cycle for Findlay bike ride will be attempted by Mr Pigott, Mr Green, Mr Matt Ruoss, 33, also from Toddington, Mr Richard Morgan, 35, from London, and Findlay's uncle Kevin Pitt, 32, who lives in Toronto, Canada.

The team hopes to complete the challenge in 11 days.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can do so online at www.debra.org.uk or send a cheque made out to Debra to Ian and Gillian Pigott, Thrales End Farm, Thrales End Lane, Harpenden AL5 3NS.