Pedal power: Let's hear it for Ged

Beat tinnitus by cycling
July 10th 2006

Yorkshire man Ged Vivian, is to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a bid to raise cash and awareness for Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR). The self-employed decorator has suffered from tinnitus for over two years and says it has had a major detrimental effect on his life. “My motivation levels can be really low because of it. But instead of whinging about it my daughter encouraged me to do something positive, hence the bike ride,” he says.

Estimates put the number of people suffering from tinnitus in the UK at around five million, and many can struggle to lead a normal life as a result. While noise is a contributing factor, more research is needed to understand the causes of tinnitus.

Action for Tinnitus Research is calling for a dedicated research programme in the UK to investigate drugs further and to validate their long-term effectiveness.

To sponsor Ged, who began his mammoth bike ride last week (July 3rd), visit the ATR website (www.tinnitus-research.org) where you can check on his progress. The website also has further useful tinnitus information.

Alternatively, to find out more about Action for Tinnitus Research just  click here and enquire direct online