A DAD whose sons have a severe blood condition is preparing for a gruelling challenge to give other children with serious medical conditions a holiday of a lifetime.

Steven Read, from Rustington, is setting off from Land’s End for John O'Groats on Saturday (September 10) on a nine-day fundraising challenge for Dreamflight, to help give more children the same dream holiday that both his sons have enjoyed.

Sam, 25 and Jack, 15, both live with severe haemophilia A, which prevents their blood from clotting.

Both enjoyed a holiday with Dreamflight, a UK charity that takes children with a serious illness or disability on holiday to Orlando, after being nominated by Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Steven’s youngest son Jack enjoyed the experience in 2019, just before the pandemic.

He was given a “red-carpet” experience from being welcomed at Heathrow by Star Wars and Harry Potter characters through to being fast-tracked on to the rides in Orlando.

Due to the children’s health needs, medical chaperones care for them during the trip.

Steven, a trainee programmes manager at UK Power Networks, said: “I want to give something back because it was a fantastic opportunity for Sam and Jack and I would like other children to benefit from the same experience.

“All the children on the trip have a serious illness or disability and this gives them something to look forward to and lifelong memories. They wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to do something really special that can make their lives a bit happier and they have a fabulous time.

“The boys appreciate why I’m doing this, but they think I’m a bit bonkers sitting on a bike for more than six hours a day for nine days.

“It is a bit mad, but this has been on my bucket list for years, I have always wanted to do this. It’s going to be a fun challenge and I am inspired by athletes with disabilities who overcome their challenges and achieve great results.”

Colleagues at UK Power Networks in Three Bridges are helping Steven reach his £1,000 fundraising goal towards the £4,500 cost of sending a child on a holiday.

The firm is also supporting the challenge through its volunteering scheme, which gives staff two paid days to serve their communities and gives staff up to £100 match funding for their fundraising efforts.

Lisa Bishop, fundraising and communications manager at Dreamflight, said: “Dreamflight never expects the families who benefit from our trips to fundraise for us, but it is very special when they do.

“We are a very small charity – with just one small office – and need to raise over £1 million every year.

“We are hugely grateful to Steven, to UK Power Networks and to his colleagues for supporting this fabulous challenge. Good luck Steven.”