Treuddyn pleurisy suffer takes on cycling challenge

Jun 3 2008 By David Simister

A TREUDDYN man is taking on a tough test of cycling endurance this weekend as part of his brave battle against a recent breathing condition.

David Hughes, 43, contracted the respiratory infection pleurisy just before Christmas last year and suffered agonising chest pains before being taken to hospital. Now, as part of a courageous comeback, he hopes to complete the North Wales Bike Ride, being held in Rhyl on June 8.

"I’m getting in plenty of practise for it, covering about 50 miles a week. I like cycling very much so it’s great to be doing something enjoyable and raising money for a good cause at the same time" he said.

The North Wales Bike Ride - not a race - takes in town and countryside on a 15 mile course around Denbighshire, passing through Rhyl, Dyserth, and Prestatyn among others.

The Workshop Technician at Coleg Llysfasi was left traumatised by the experience of contracting Pleurisy in December, and after weeks on antibiotics and making a full recovery he vowed to get fitter and change his lifestyle.

Pleurisy, an inflammation of the pleural cavity lining the lungs, can be a fatal condition, and can count William Wordsworth and Karl Marx among its more famous casualties.

"I knew that I was overweight so I had to get fitter. And I also wanted to raise money for charity" he said of his plans to take part in the Bike Ride.

If anyone would like to sponsor David they can contact him at Coleg Llysfasi on 01978 790263.