A family are getting on their bikes to raise awareness of a potentially fatal skin condition.

Daniel Maples, aged 17 months, has ichthyosis, which causes his skin to grow six times faster than normal.

It means his skin constantly sheds and becomes very dry and thick.

His parents Emma Holby and Steve Maples, of King Street, Maldon, will be cycling 30 miles around the Dengie Peninsula for a national charity bike ride, Ichthycyclotron 2014.

Emma, 23, and Steve, 29, will be cycling with Emma’s dad Chris and brother Andrew, and Steve’s friend Tim Frankland, on March 29 in aid of the Ichthyosis Support Group.

Sponsor the cyclists at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/DanielMaples