Everyone is affected by cancer either directly or by knowing someone who has gone through the experience. It does not respect age, wealth or position but research is beginning to make a difference and survival rates are getting better.
From a personal point of view, my dad and a good friend from Burton RFC, John Lowe both died from cancer. I know and have known many people close to me who have been or who are going through this journey. However, on the positive side my uncle has survived prostate cancer and is now clear, thanks to research and treatments that are getting better all the time.
Many years ago, I completed this challenge raising over £2000 for Burton General Hospital. Now 30 years later, in my 60th year and on the SAME BIKE, I am attempting the challenge again to raise money for this great cause so please donate if you can. Thanks, Kevin.
Karen -
Thanks to cancer research my lovely sister did not die young. She was able to benefit from the early developments in stem cell treatment now widely available to treat cancer and other conditions. Our Grandad was able to live into his eighties because of developments in targeted drug treatment for lymphoma and skin cancer surgery.
We all have the potential to develop cancer - cancer research is vital... for all of us. It would be fantastic if we can complete our cycling challenge and raise our target donation. Wish us luck!
Neil -
On 11th August 2017 I had the honour and privilege of carrying my good friend and work colleague Mick Smith's coffin at his funeral to his final place of rest. Mick had eventually lost his long and courageous battle against cancer 10 days earlier.
I'd worked with Mick as a police officer for 14 years. During those years we had seen and dealt with situations where we needed the support and understanding of each other. We knew how each other would react and how we would deal with those situations on a daily basis. When Mick was diagnosed, he followed others at our police station who had also lost the fight against cancer and who left families and loved ones devastated. There are those who won the battle and those who today still struggle with this terrible disease.
I had seen Mick with his wife and much loved dog in the village pub just days before he passed away and I promised him I would do something in his memory, and to honour him. So that's why I'm cycling nearly 1200 miles along with my friends who have posted on this page. In memory of a good friend, a fine police officer and loving husband. PC 5059 Mick Smith.
Neil
Alan -
Recently our lives were turned upside down when my beautiful wife Jan was diagnosed with bowel cancer, just 4 months after our perfect wedding.
Thankfully, following major surgery, and follow-up chemo she has been declared cancer free. This was only possible because of the invaluable work undertaken by Cancer Research into the causes and treatments, in addition to the skill of the surgeon and expertise of the the Oncology Department at Royal Derby Hospital.
I am undertaking the challenge of the LEJOG cycle ride to help raise money in support of vital further cancer research. Please help us to help others - cancer is not discriminatory and can affect anyone at anytime.
Jan -
When I was just 40 I found out my husband Roger Meares-Davies, had a terminal brain tumour. Our son was just 10 years old. Telling him he was going to lose his Dad is the hardest thing I have ever done. Roger was given 6 months to live. Little research is done still into cancer of the brain. Roger decided to find a clinical trial, which he did at Harvard Medical School, in conjunction with M.I.T in Boston, who were investigating using nuclear power in radiation treatment. They did not promise a cure but offered the same odds as traditional radiation in prolonging his life. He survived for 20 months.
Imagine the horror of telling the same boy, now very much a man, that his surviving parent had been diagnosed with cancer? This was found through the screening process (camera) offered at 55 in UK - massive shock as I felt very well. Thankfully, and with the AMAZING love and support of my new husband Alan (who took 9 months out of work to be with me,) fantastic treatment at Royal Derby, support from my son, family, friends (including all the riders) I am now enjoying my life to the full. Let’s stop other families suffering.
