Spalding-area teenager's challenge to beat disorder

An inspirational student from Spalding Academy is embarking on a lockdown challenge which is pushing her to her limits.

Alia Jones, who is in Year 9, is currently cycling towards her 100 miles in a month target while at home to raise money for a charity which is close to her heart.

The challenge is an incredible feat for Alia as the mitochondrial disorder she was diagnosed with when she was eight years old leaves her incredibly tired and her muscles weak.

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Every penny she raises will be donated to The Lily Foundation which funds research in to mitochondrial disease while working towards a future where it can be effectively treated or cured - currently there is no cure.

In the space of a few days Alia has already needed to change the target on her JustGiving page to reflect the amount of donations she has been receiving - and has raised more than £1,500 so far.

Alia, who is cycling on an exercise bike due to her condition, said: "I'm tired but I keep on pushing.

"It's very tiring but it's also something to do - there have been times where I've been quite bored during lockdown.

"I have seen friends and family doing challenges and I've not done something like this before so I decided to see if I could achieve my goal.

"I do my school work until around 2pm and then when my Mum and Dad take the dog for a walk I do my bike ride instead - I try to do around three miles a day.

"I am still in shock about how much money has been raised. My original target was £250 but in the space of 30 minutes it was up to around £600 and then after another two hours it was above £1,000!

"I'm really hoping that it keeps increasing and hopefully one day the scientists will find a cure or medication that will change sufferers' lives for the better and allow us to live like everyone else."

Alia lives in Cowbit with her parents Steve and Julie Jones and her brother Grayson.

Dad Steve, said: "Alia came up with the idea and it's a struggle for her but we are immensely proud.

"We've heard that there is also a storyline on Coronation Street about mitochondrial disease which is also great for the charity.

"It was a real shock to see how much money has been raised - we are hoping to encourage more recognition for the charity and understanding of the condition."

Ian Billinghurst, pastoral manager at Spalding Academy, added: "We are very proud of Alia. I know she is tired but she works ever so hard in school and this is no different.

"She is a fighter and I have no worries about her finishing the challenge."

To donate please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alia-jones1