Port pedal power - a Parisian pledge for Amyloidosis Research

A team of cyclists from the Port of Dover has just completed the London to Paris bike ride in aid of UCL Amyloidosis Research Cover Slipper Fund. The 300 mile challenge is part of a personal mission to raise the profile of Amyloidosis, a disease which is usually fatal and until recently within a year of diagnosis.

Joanna Jerden, who works in the Property and Estates team at the Port, was diagnosed in February 2012 and has been working tirelessly with friends and colleagues ever since to fund further research and support the work of the UCL National Amyloidosis Centre, which is helping to dramatically improve survival.

Jo said: "I am incredibly humbled by the generosity of my colleagues and their commitment to helping my work with Amyloidosis and to ultimately giving sufferers of this illness a brighter future."

The exploits of Tim Godden, Nick Jones, Simon Greenhalgh, Paul Brown and his partner Michelle represents the latest effort by some of Jo's colleagues to raise money for a piece of equipment called a Coverslipper machine, which helps histologists to prepare clinical and research slides.

Tim Godden said: "Jo is such an amazingly positive person and we were all determined to play a part in helping her achieve her goal. The legs are aching but it was so worth it."

The team was greeted by Jo and Port of Dover colleagues as they passed through the Port on their way to Paris.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "I am incredibly proud of my colleagues and this latest demonstration of such determination from Port staff wanting to help a friend in need. It is truly humbling and stands for everything this Port and the people working in it represents."