My name is John Worsfold

In December 2016 having just turned 46 I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer, as with most people when I heard the word cancer my whole world fell apart.

For the last two years I have been regularly receiving treatment, this includes BCG treatment with an original chemotherapy wash. I also have  regular 3 monthly check ups.

In 2017 I visited the doctor after noticing a skin lesion on my scalp from childhood was weeping and wasn't healing properly. I found myself being referred to the NHS plastic out patient department for tests. I was diagnosed with skin cancer !. Cancer for the second time, I was devastated. I experienced anger, despair and total devastation.

Exasperated by the fact that at 17 yrs old I lost my mother to cancer, She was 43 yrs old. I became afraid that my beautiful 9yr old daughter would grow up without me in her life, and I would miss my daughter Lily growing up and maturing into an accomplished young woman. I would miss all the things my own mother missed, I would miss her life.

During this time I put on an excessive amount of weight, the more I heard of friends and associates going through their own struggles and battles with this disease the more my weight increased.

After losing my mum, I always had the intention that one day I would take on a challenge for charity.

In memory of my mother and together with my own personal battles I decided to support a charity I would like to support and associate myself with Velindre Cancer Centre.

After long consideration the challenge I have chosen along with members of my cycling Group is the Tour De France for Velindre. The preparation for this challenge will give me focus, drive and most importantly my mental well being for a more positive future.

To date I have lost over 2 stone in weight and I have a long way to go to reach my ideal weight and fitness in preparation for the Tour for Velindre. I am totally prepared for the work and challenge ahead.

I have always enjoyed cycling and in the past have trained for triathlons and an ironman distance event so understand the preparation required for endurance challenges.

The challenge will consist of riding the whole of the Tour De France route as completed by the pro cyclists on the 2020 tour.

Myself and other members of Leg-it cycling group Kevin Hanbury, Barrie Davies, Neal Davies, Luke Davies, John Thomas and Chris Morris will complete all 21 stages approx. 3500km in the same number of days (not hours) as the professionals.

This is the biggest sporting challenge I have ever participated in. Two of my team mates have completed the 2017 Tour De France route so will bring valuable experience to this challenge. We will be riding two days in advance of the actual Tour De France in order to gain the maximum exposure for our charity and sponsors with the media.

Our intention is to fund the whole event ourselves at a personal cost of Approx.£2800 each.

we are actively seeking sponsors to cover the cost of vehicle hire that will be needed to support us during the tour.

Apart from raising as much money as we can for a hugely worthwhile charity Velindre Cancer Centre and the personal challenge for myself and the team. I would personally like to raise cancer awareness. As tough and life changing a journey this has been for me cancer can be beaten challenges can be met and achieved and positive outcomes can be made. I am hopeful my small contribution could inspire others in their battle with this disease.

This is my aim, this is my challenge and I am hopeful for a better future for myself and my daughter. When I cross the finish line in Paris I hope my daughter will be there to greet me and I will make her proud.

John