I feel extremely priveliged and thankful that I am able to travel the way I do. There are others, however, who at present have little hope of being physically independent enough to enjoy the delights of adventure travel.

That's why I support the Lowe Syndrome Association; a US based trust that supports children and families with Lowe Syndrome, and funds medical research into this currently incurable disease. Check out www.lowesyndrome.org for more information on the disease.

Arguably the origniator of long distance skateboarding, Jack Smith, lost his young son to the disease in 2003. Ever since then, with Jack and his team's original long distance skateboarding world record as the start, more and more people are challenging themselves to journeys on skateboards, many to raise awareness of Lowe Syndrome.

Now, in association with Boardfree, I am stepping up to the plate to skate; 8,000km solo and unassisted through Europe and North America on a skateboard as part of my 'going home' journey from England to New Zealand.

This journey is entirely self supported and unassisted. No backup vehicles, no team to share the load. Only the kindness of strangers to assist me along the way.

Please dig deep and take hold of this opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of boys and their families who face the challenges of Lowe Sydrome.

Many thanks,
Rob Thomson

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14degrees Off The Beaten Track
An unassisted solo 20,000km (12,500 mile) around-the-world journey by bicycle and skateboard.
URL: www.14degrees.org
Email: rob.thomson@14degrees.org