Jeffrey Da Bear is on a fundraising relay around Britain in aid of five year old Jeffrey Charlesworth from Lancashire who has Batten disease.

The relay sees the teddy bear mascot passed between volunteer bikers along the journey and encouraging folk to donate. In Orkney he flew with Loganair.

Commonly referred to as Batten disease, the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs) denote several different genetic life-limiting neurodegenerative diseases that share similar features.  Although the disease was initially recognised in 1903 by Dr Frederik Batten, it wasn’t until 1995 that the first genes causing NCL were identified.  Since then over 400 mutations in 13 different genes have been described that cause the various forms of NCL disease.

Batten Disease Family Association

Accompanied by Logie and Lottie Bear, Jeffrey Da Bear flew the Orkney Inter Island Air Service and completed the world’s shortest scheduled air service between islands Westray and Papa Westray.

With over £13,000 raised so far, Jeffrey’s onward travels include: Thurso, Inverness and Fort William.

Kay Ryan, Loganair’s Chief Commercial Officer, said:

“We are honoured to play a part in this fundraising journey and it’s fantastic to see such a large sum raised already for Jeffrey’s battle with Batten disease. 

“Logie and Lottie, our very own mascots,  were great company for Jeffery Da Bear and we wish him the best of luck for the remainder of his tour.”

To follow Jeffrey Da Bear’s biker journey visit www.facebook.com/groups/930863511043015 or donate at www.gofundme.com/f/jeffreys-battle-with-battens-disease.