Dad to motorcycle across US to help charity

A LOTHIANS father is planning to motorcycle across America to raise money for research into a rare condition which affects his five-year-old son.

Colin Read and his friend Iain Whyte will don specially-designed Howie Nicholsby kilts for the 2913 mile journey from New York to Los Angeles. They hope to raise £250,000.

Mr Read's son George suffers from Moebius Syndrome, which leaves him unable to smile, frown or blink. Mr Read and his wife Dionne, from Port Seton, set up the Moebius Research Trust.

The youngster also had a treat recently when he was invited on stage during a show by rock band James at the Corn Exchange.

The band's drummer, David Baynton-Power, is patron of the trust as his one-year-old nephew also suffers from the condition.

Mr Read, 44, said: "He actually got to play the drums on stage and was given the drumsticks to take away with him.

He thoroughly enjoyed himself. He went away to school the next day with the drumsticks and the photo he had taken with David."

Mr Baynton-Power added: "I am looking forward to reading his blog about the trip."