Laura Brown pictured before and after her diagnosis with Lyme disease

Cyclists will take on a 100 mile challenge to help fund treatment for a Burntwood woman suffering from a debilatating illness.

Laura Brown collapsed in 2012 with a suspected stroke and subsequently spent several weeks in hospital.

Tests revealed she was actually suffering from late stage Lyme disease, leaving her with seizures and episodes where she is unable to speak or move.

Laura Brown pictured before and after her diagnosis with Lyme disease
Laura Brown pictured before and after her diagnosis with Lyme disease

While the NHS is able to treat early stage sufferers, there is no treatment currently available for later stage suffers, so her brother Richard Hanstock launched the Chase the Peaks challenge to raise money for private treatment overseas.

Laura said: “I have been truly lucky to receive specialised treatment and care from a well respected clinic in the USA.

“Their prediction is that I will need long term treatment over several years if I am to have any possibility of achieving and maintaining remission.

The 2015 Chase the Peaks event
The 2015 Chase the Peaks event

“Without ongoing medical care, I would quickly deteriorate. I am so grateful for this continued support to help me raise funds for my treatment.”

The Chase the Peaks event takes place on June 12 with riders travelling from Burntwood to the Peak District and back.

The 2015 ride saw more than £1,300 raised.

Laura added: “Any donation, small or large, is very gratefully received and will go a long way towards helping pay for mounting medical bills.”

For more details, visit the online fundraising page.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.