David Chard & his partner Tracey Clemson are both support staff working for Northant's police.

Last year David had intensive treatment for Oesophageal cancer which resulted in him having major surgery on his stomach & subsequent chemotherapy which left him not being able to work full time. He also had to forego his role as a retained fire fighter.

6 months ago he got the all clear from cancer & has been rebuilding his strength, through cycling & enjoying the outdoors walking their dog.

David & Tracey like to travel in their camper van as much as they can when they have time off & enjoy holidays with their families.

In December 2018 David started to feel unwell & was in considerable pain. Tests were carried out.This meant that David had to be admitted to hospital on a number of occasions throughout December.

On Christmas Eve David & Tracey received the devastating news that David’s cancer had returned.

David’s health deteriorated quickly & he was rushed into hospital with severe back pain. Over the next four days the pain increased & resulted in him being taken to LRI. David had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his spine.

The surgery failed to stop the damage already caused by the tumour to David’s spinal cord & he is now paralysed from the waist down.

David is still in LRI waiting for his wound to heal before he can have additional treatment.

Tracey & David have had the worse Christmas imaginable but they both continue to smile & are positive about their future.

Dave Melling & James Berry plan to complete the coast to coast bike ride from Ilfracombe to Plymouth at the end of February 2019. The total distance is 102 miles & they plan to cycle the distance over two days. 23rd and 24th February 2019.

The charity cycle ride aims to raise money to assist with the adaptations they will need for their home & alterations to their beloved Betty the camper van, & generally improve his quality of life at this difficult time.