Jo's cycle challenge

A WARRINGTON woman who was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease is planning a 200km cycle ride to raise funds for charity.
So far Jo Carter, 44, of Stockton Heath, has raised more than £800 and she is looking for local people to support her.
Money, from the ride on September 29 and 30, will go to Kidney Research UK and SADS UK (Sudden Arrhymic Death Syndrome). She will start from the Holiday Inn Runcorn, cycling to sister hotels in Stoke and Chester, before returning to Runcorn.
She said: “In February 2011, I was diagnosed with a very rare kidney disease called ‘Goodpastures Syndrome.’ “This is an auto immune disease whereby your own antibodies start to destroy your own organs. I underwent two weeks of intensive care at the Royal Liverpool Hospital. This involved eight days of plasma exchange, to help save my kidneys and get rid of all the bad anti bodies.”
Jo had six months of chemotherapy and needs a lot of medication, but 18 months on she has 50 per cent kidney function. She says she needs lots of drugs to keep the condition under control, but is starting to regain her health and fitness levels.
She said: “Prior to my diagnosis, I had felt fatigued for about a year, but still tried to maintain my fitness levels by playing squash, golf and cycling, although it was hard work. With ‘Goodpastures’ your antibodies attack your body without you realising it.
“I decided last October to do something for charity, to give something back to the community. This is why I decided to do this challenge. I chose Kidney Research UK as it is close to my heart. SADS UK, I have chosen in memory of Neil Johnson, a work colleague who died suddenly in February 2012, whilst playing 5 a side football with his friends.”
She is doing the ride with husband Ian and her friend Pip, and is training hard for the event.
Anyone who wants to sponsor her can do so via https://www.justgiving.com/teams/joscyclingodyssey