A CHANCE meeting in an Irish hotel has sparked plans for a bike ride in aid of a cause very close to the hearts of a Blackwell couple.

Next week, Jeremy Island, of Linthurst Newtown, will ride across western France for five days to collect funds for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA).

The 42-year-old is being joined by 14 pals and new found friends from Ireland who are backing his bid to help children, like his son Hamish, aged two, who have the disorder. Prader Willi Syndrome is caused by an error in chromosome 15 and it affects sufferers physically and mentally.

Victims also have no control over their eating habits and must adhere to a strict regime to ensure they do not become obese.

Jeremy and his wife Jane, aged 43, discovered Hamish had the syndrome, which affects 1 in 16,000 people, when he was six-weeks-old.

During a trip to southern Ireland in April, Jeremy struck up a conversation with a man who organises regular charity bike rides with his friends.

After a few drinks the new acquaintances agreed that the Irish fundraisers would collect cash for PWSA and in return, Jeremy would join the caring cyclists and enlist support from UK friends.

After some serious training he's now almost ready for the 400-mile expedition, which he hopes will generate £15,000.

The art gallery owner said: "My wife and I were devastated when we discovered Hamish had this rare condition.

"We have the syndrome under control and our son is very happy but I would like to reward the PWSA, which provides a wealth of information, support and research for other families like us."

If you would like to sponsor Jeremy Island call 0121 445 1596.