THE parents of 14-year-old asthma sufferer Sullivan Brown are joining three friends on a massive challenge to raise funds for national children’s charity Action Medical Research.

Karen and Russell Brown will be joined by Dave Hobson, Jo Beardsley and Ali Morris.

To be called the Paris Peddlers, the five-strong team will cycle 330 miles from London to Paris in July.

The couple, from Alton, are devoted supporters of the charity, which funds research into rare and disabling conditions affecting babies and children, including asthma which affects their teenage son.

Around 1.1 million children in the UK have asthma, a life-long condition that affects breathing. One in every 11 children in the UK has asthma – one of the highest rates worldwide.

Karen, 49, who owns Tootsies private day nursery in Farnham, and who was recently diagnosed with asthma herself, said: “Chronic asthma can be very serious. Sullivan has been in hospital a few times with it. Pollen makes it worse and so does the weather – heat and cold in particular affect his asthma.

“On a bad day, asthma can stop Sullivan going to school and may mean he has to use a nebuliser – a special machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist that can be inhaled.”

Asthma can also prevent talented rugby player Sullivan playing the sport he loves.

“Sullivan is in the London Irish Rugby Academy for his age group and is a top-five scorer for his school and his club. He loves sport, so asthma can be very frustrating for him,” added Karen.

Although Sullivan’s asthma is well managed with two different medicines, his well-being fluctuates and wheezing that may lead to an attack is an ever-present worry that Sullivan describes as ‘scary’.

Action Medical Research is funding a study led by Professor Somnath Mukhopadhyay at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton. He is leading an expert team of geneticists and children’s respiratory physicians who have a special interest in asthma. Their aim, says Prof Mukhopadhyay, is to help bring about a major step change in the quality of life of children with asthma and allergy.

The researchers aim to tailor treatment to each child, according to their genetic features – an approach known as personalised therapy. Up to 240 children and young people aged 12 to 21 are taking part in the study.

“Our ultimate aim is to make the most of the treatments we’ve already got for asthma, so children get the medicines that suit them best and they can enjoy the best possible quality of life,” said Prof Mukhopadhyay.

Fundraising for the London to Paris event is already under way. Supported by friends and family, the Paris Peddlers raised £1,100 with a static bike turbo-trainer event and bucket collection for Action in Camberley on April 21 – just ahead of World Asthma Day on Wednesday.

Emma Morgan, head of events at Action Medical Research, said: “The research into asthma we are funding aims to make a real difference to children and young people like Sullivan. London to Paris is one of the most exciting and memorable cycling challenges in the Action Medical Research events calendar.

“We are so proud of the Paris Peddlers and wish them every success.”

To sponsor the Paris Peddlers, visit action.org.uk/sponsor/parispeddlers.