Transporting HSP on a tricycle

Today, 28 February, marks International Rare Disease Day. One such disease is hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a neurodegenerative hereditary condition so little known that it hardly receives any attention from researchers. It causes gait disorders, paralysis in the legs and impairs bladder and bowel functions.

Karin Jakob wrote to the ITJ that “for us there’s currently no cure. Many of these affected have to rely on a wheelchair.” This has inspired the Swiss patient group to organise a sponsorship initiative. In June, HSP patients will use handbikes, tricycles, tandems or manual wheelchairs to cover a set distance – with the aim of encouraging as many donors as possible to support them with a contribution for each kilometre completed.

Jakob herself plans to cycle from Spiez (Switzerland) to the Mediterranean on a tricycle from 31 May, supported by two friends. (ah)