THE parents of a Burnley toddler who has a rare genetic disorder hope pedal power can help find a cure for other young sufferers.

Robert Glover, just two and a half years old, suffers from Sanfilipo Syndrome, which affects one in 60,000 babies. His parents were told of the condition after a lump on Robert's back was diagnosed as an early symptom of the illness when he was one year old.

The syndrome is a form of Mucopolysaccharide Disease (MPS), a progressive illness which slows mental development and leads to physical disability.

Sufferers have a life expectancy of just 15 years.

Now Robert's mum and dad, Gillian and Andrew, have helped to organise a sponsored bike ride to fund research and bring hope to children like him in the future.

Andrew and Gillian, who live with Robert and his four-year-old brother Joe, know a cure will not be found in time to save Robert's life.

But they are hoping kind-hearted East Lancashire folk will get behind the cycling team so future sufferers are given a chance. Andrew, who will take to the saddle himself, said: "When Robert was about a year old he had a lump on his back.

"We didn't think anything about it at first, but the doctor referred us to a specialist and we were told he had MPS.

"Looking at him now, you wouldn't know there was anything wrong. He's in the best of health and really happy. Give him a biscuit and a drink and he'll run and run.

"But Robert will get more hyperactive and will have behavioural problems as he gets older and his bodily functions will slow down.

"It's clear there won't be a cure for Robert, but there's no reason there shouldn't be a cure in the future."

A small band of cyclists will ride 35 miles from Accrington to Blackpool on Sunday, August 23.

They will be set on their way by Coronation Street's Hayley, alias local actress Julie Hesmondhalgh."

Anyone wishing to sponsor the bike ride can call Mary Pagett at the MPS Society on (01772) 815516.

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