Stacksteads teenager cycles 375 miles in aid of allergy-sufferer brother (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Stacksteads teenager cycles 375 miles in aid of allergy-sufferer brother

10:36am Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Chris Gee, Reporter

A TEENAGER has received celebrity backing for his ‘tremendous’ campaign of support for his four-year-old brother, who suffers from life-threatening allergies.

Ashley James Greaves, 13, from Stacksteads, is cycling 375 miles to raise money for his little brother Edward, who has severe allergies to eggs and milk.

Ashley, an Alder Grange pupil, is riding his bike the eight-mile round trip to and from school everyday for 10 weeks.

He has been keeping a blog and posting video updates of his journey and also providing hundreds of followers with education and first hand experiences of living with serious allergies.

He has received messages of support from TV presenter Kate Thornton, comedian Jason Byrne, Geoff Shreeves the Sky Sports football reporter and Dragons’ Den’s Hilary Devey.

Ashley said: “This affects all our family each and every day so I want to try and help in some way by raising awareness.

“He’s a brilliant brother and in September he travelled with us to Newcastle to take part in the Bupa Great North Run for Allergy UK.

“He ran one mile in 12 minutes while I did the full 13.1 miles.

“On Wednesday I took Edward trick or treating for the first time. He couldn’t enjoy the treats due to his allergies.

“But that don't stop him joining in as my mum bought him some of his very own treats.”

Symptoms of Edward’s allergies include swelling around the face and mouth, hives or rashes on the face, and a more severe attack could lead to breathing difficulties and anaphylaxis shock.

Ashley also lives with his parents Simon and Stacey Kelley and brother Ellis.

Simon said: “There’s a real bond between the boys and were so proud of all of them all.

“We can’t even have eggs in the house and it has little affects like him never being able to have a birthday cake.

“Ashley cares passionately about Edward and is determined to spread awareness about severe allergies and raise funds for allergy UK.”

Allergy UK’s CEO, Jim Bennett, said: “Ashley has set a tremendous example to support a worthy cause.

“We are very heartened by all his endeavours and express our sincere thanks.

“His generosity will enable us to provide invaluable help and support to the allergy sufferer.”