My Story
I've always ridden a bike to and from town, work, etc, but when I retired I took up cycling and got a road bike for my 65th birthday, I have recently celebrated my 77th. Gradually I became 'fitter', and my mileage increased, and I easily rode 100 miles. I even bike-packed when in my early-ish 70's. Then I started to get tired and had to walk up the hills which previously wasn't too much of a difficulty to ride up. I put this down to the aging process. Then two and a half years ago a routine doctor's appointment highlighted a problem with my blood, and I was referred to the Oncology department of Castlehill Hospital, Cottingham, East Yorkshire. It was here I was eventually diagnosed with an incurable form of Leukaemia, Chronic Lymphatic Leukaemia, thus the reason for my inability to cycle as I had been able to in the past, was identified. So rather than give up I later purchased an E-bike and commenced to undertake short rides, by this time I had been introduced to the FLAIR Clinical Trials funded by CRUK, and had started a treatment program. After almost 18 months there has been some improvement in my condition, but within this period I have suffered two bouts of Covid, and last year I spent some time in hospital with sepsis which has taken a while to fully recover from. I am now attempting to complete longer distances to raise my fitness levels and mental ability in preparation for the challenge ahead. The Challenge To show my appreciation for the care I have been given, I am planning a bike-packing ride around the border of Lincolnshire in July as a fundraising ride for Cancer Research UK. The Lincolnshire border connects ten counties which I intend to visit during my ride. I call the ride 10 Counties, One Border. The 8 counties and two Unitary Authorities are: North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, and Norfolk, all share the Lincolnshire border. The total distance is over 350 miles which I will be cycling over about seven days. I aim to complete between 50 and 75 miles a day. Please support my effort by sponsoring me and making a donation. Every penny raised goes to Cancer Research UK in its fight to develop treatments and cures for all types of cancers. Thank you Roy
