A 12-YEAR-OLD boy who suffers from cystic fibrosis is cycling 800 km to raise money for charity.

Teun van de Ven, who has the crippling disease, plans to cycle with his family from the Netherlands to Jersey over nine days to visit their Island-based aunt and uncle, Sue and Ronald van de Ven.

The challenge was Teun’s idea because he wants to raise money for cystic fibrosis sufferers.

Jersey-born Mrs van de Ven, who used to work for Jersey Tourism, is very proud of her nephew. She said: ‘What is so amazing about this family is that nothing stops them. Teun is very poorly and has very limited lung capacity. It is a huge task for him.

‘As the day approaches the parents are getting a bit nervous, but he is absolutely determined. It was his idea to raise the money for cystic fibrosis.’

Mr and Mrs van de Ven are trying to get sponsorship in Jersey from family and friends, with funds raised going to local cystic fibrosis sufferers so that Island children can also benefit from Teun’s cycle ride.

The 12-year-old will be cycling with his mother Winnie, father Albert and brother Koen (14) from their house in Veldhoven, near Eindhoven, through Belgium and across the north coast of France. They are due to arrive in Jersey on 3 May after catching the ferry from St Malo.

St Martin residents Mrs van de Ven and her husband, a Jersey Telecom broadband manager, and children Ellie (3) and Archie (1) will be there to meet them after their journey.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening condition that mainly affects the lungs and digestive system. There is no known cure.

• Picture: Teun van de Ven and his family are due to arrive in the Island on 3 May