My Story
The short version if you only have 10-seconds: Okay so here’s the deal: I’ll put the effort by cycling 300-miles this September for Cancer Research in memory of my brother, and you can sit back and relax basking in good karma by sponsoring me (please x). The 3-minute read (grab a cup of tea or coffee … and a method of sponsorship 😉): Cancer will affect more than half of us in our lifetimes and whilst survival rates have doubled from just one in four surviving a cancer diagnosis a generation ago, to two in four surviving a cancer diagnosis today – a fantastic achievement through extensive efforts and dedicated research helped hugely by charitable funding, but… … despite the best available care and treatments my younger brother lost his three-year battle with kidney cancer in May this year. Having just turned 36 at the time of his initial diagnosis with a "probably not more than 3-months" outlook, Jeremy knew from the outset this wasn't one to recover from but instead to try and make good the time left. Reacting well to some of the "holding" treatments - indeed some helping contribute to ongoing research - we were all able to make the most of an additional 3-years of memories before things deteriorated quickly to a heartbreaking, but dignified, end. As with so many other things COVID19 curtailed the ability for a 'normal' service, so now’s the time to put that “once-daily" family exercise to use challenging myself whilst raising some funds for a good cause in his memory. It's 18-years since I used to cycle a 7-mile commute to work, and having generally swapped tarmac miles for tree-lined trails in recent years, I've dusted off my original bike and kicked (replaced) the tyres. Despite us both now showing signs of age we're prepped and ready for the challenge – although the sight of this 40-something year-old in bib-shorts is one I will try and save most of you from in exchange for sponsorship! If you’ve got this far thank you for reading. I know times are tough and there are so many different charities struggling for funds, but every penny makes a huge difference to vital cancer research and any sponsorship hugely appreciated. If things are tight, or you already have a preferred charity then morale support is equally welcome in helping me see this challenge through !
