Cancer charity calling on Merseyside cyclists to saddle up for the return of 300 mile challenge

North West Cancer Research is searching for cycling enthusiasts or people looking for a fitness challenge to sign up to its Cycle of Hope to support life-saving cancer research in Liverpool.  Now in its 2nd year, Cycle of Hope covers 300 miles over 4 days, taking participants on a scenic route over 3 countries.   Sponsored by Rutherford Cancer Centres who operate a national network of cancer centres, this year's event starts on 4 July 2019, in Liverpool and will finish on 7 July 2019, in Dublin, Ireland.

The route will see the peloton of cyclists embark from the City's iconic Pier Head, where they will then take a ferry across the Mersey, to the Wirral, before travelling to North Wales. Taking in the historic Towns and countryside of Wales, the cyclists will journey through nature reserves, tranquil country lanes and Welsh scenery in:- Connah's Quay, Newtown, Newcastle Emlyn and Fishguard. To complete the final leg of the adventure, the team will cross the Irish sea to County Wexford, where they will cycle North, passing through Clahoman, Shillelaghs and Donard ready for celebrations at the iconic Phoenix Park in Dublin.

Money raised will help North West Cancer Research support world class research across the region and 2018's participants helped raise ₤35,000.  In 2018 the charity pledged ₤3million of funding to support innovative research at centres including University of Liverpool, Lancaster University and Bangor University.

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said:- "After the success of last year's Cycle of Hope, we've decided to bring it back again this year making it a key annual fundraising event for the charity.  We've made some exciting changes to the route and we take in some new places such as Newcastle Emlyn and Enniscorthy. The course is suitable for people of all cycling abilities, from novices to seasoned riders and it promises to be both challenging and rewarding. Last year's cyclists were phenomenal and helped raise much needed funds to support cancer research here in the North West. We hope to see some retuning faces this year and look forward to welcoming new riders, making this year's event even bigger and better than before."

Ron Russell, from sponsor Rutherford Cancer Centres, said:- "This will be the second consecutive year we have supported North West Cancer Research's Cycle of Hope event. North West Cancer Research is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for life saving research in the UK, a cause that resonates closely with our work. As well as supporting innovative cancer research, Cycle of Hope is also encouraging health and wellbeing in the community which is something very important to us at Rutherford."

Entry for Cycle of Hope is now open and costs ₤120 per person. North West Cancer Research will provide continued support including a training plan and fundraising advice in preparation for the event. All money raised will contribute to further funding for life saving research across the Region. For more information or to register, visit:- online now.  Also you can get more information, you can also contact Cara on:- 0151 709 2919 or send her an email to:- Cara@NWCR.Org.

Biologist discovers new breakthrough gene treatment halting the effects of Cystic Fibrosis

AN Edge Hill University Associate Professor in Human Biology has helped discover a breakthrough gene therapy treatment halting the debilitating effects of Cystic Fibrosis.

Dr Aristides Tagalakis and his team have found that nanoparticles can be used in gene therapy to regulate and 'silence' (stop) the mutated genes responsible for producing thick mucus in the lungs of people with Cystic Fibrosis.

The life shortening condition, which affects around 100,000 people worldwide, causes the production of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and other organs. 2 Cystic Fibrosis patients die each week in the UK with over 90% of deaths caused by thickening mucus and bacterial infections leading to inflammation and lung disease.

Currently people with the condition generally only have the option of physical (physiotherapy) and oral (drug) treatments. But this breakthrough could lead to a permanent correction of the genes responsible providing a non-viral, long term 'cure' for the condition.

Laboratory tests showed that nanoparticles can effectively penetrate mucus and silence the expression of the gene which is 'up regulated' (mutated) meaning it can no longer effectively regulate mucus production. 1 dose effectively silenced the gene responsible for mucus production by 30% which lasted over 7 days. 3 doses increased the silencing to 50%

Aristides started this research at University College London with the Hart group and the work also involved professors and researchers from UCL, King's College London and St George's University of London who contributed to the final report.

Aristides, said:- "The causative gene for Cystic Fibrosis was identified back in 1989 but this research is a major innovation. Targeted nanoparticle delivery is a new concept in Cystic Fibrosis treatment. These nanoparticles move more rapidly through mucus, can reach their target cells and can be repeatedly administered over a long period. The next stage is to continue this research as we hope that this nanomedicine, delivered by inhalation, will one day help children to breathe more easily and stop them from getting so many bacterial infections and often ending up in Hospital. This could dramatically change their lives, giving them a better quality of life. Ultimately the aim of my Nanobiotechnology and Translational Medicine Group, in conjunction with Blackpool NHS Teaching Hospitals Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service (BACFS), is to use gene editing not just to silence but to permanently correct mutated genes responsible for the condition."

The work was funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Action Medical Research and the Welcome Trust.

Local NHS trust produces animation offering support for Eating Disorders Awareness Week

A local NHS trust has produced a short animation, which offers support to anyone who might be suffering with an eating disorder. The animation has been produced by North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to raise awareness around spotting the warning signs to identify if you, a loved 1 or friend has developed an eating disorder. 'Eating Disorders Awareness Week' is a national campaign run by the charity Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity. This year the awareness week started on 25 February and ends on 3 March 2019, and will show that eating disorders do not discriminate, and that everyone who suffers with an eating disorder deserves fast, high quality treatment.  Eating disorders can develop for a number of complex reasons. People have an eating disorder when they have a difficult relationship with food and their bodies, which has a significant, negative impact on their lives. To view the Trust's animation and to find out more about North West Boroughs Healthcare eating disorder service visit:- NWBH.NHS.UK/Eating-Disorders.   Anyone who is concerned that they or someone they know may have an eating disorder can also contact Beat's helpline for support, advice and information on:- 0345 634 1414 or visit:- B-Eat.Co.UK. 

Professor Sandeep Ranote, Medical Director and Eating Disorder lead at North West Boroughs Healthcare said:- "Eating disorders are serious and real illnesses that can involve a number of concerning eating behaviours such as eating too much, too little or sometimes both accompanied by excessive exercise and a range of other methods to try and lose weight. For Individuals who suffer with an eating disorder, these behaviours can take over their life and cause significant distress.  People of all genders, ages, ethnicities and sexualities from any community can develop an eating disorder. These illnesses do not discriminate and fortunately our services do not discriminate either. There is hope, help and treatment available so it is important that you or anyone you may be concerned about can access advice, support and information on further treatment by contacting Beat and / or your local GP . Remember you can recover from an eating disorder, but it may take time and it may involve treatment with a specialist team. Recovery will be different for everyone but recovery is possible for everyone and the earlier help is sought the better."