Story
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The Challenge
On Thursday 4th September I will begin my 190 mile unsupported bike ride from London to Paris, setting off from Trafalgar Square and starting the first stage of 60 miles down to Newhaven on the South coast. Taking the 11pm ferry crossing to Dieppe and arriving at 4am Friday I will then cycle 50 miles to the French town of Gournay-en-Bray. Saturday I will complete the remaining 80 miles to Paris finishing at the Eiffel Tower, in aid of Cancer Research UK.
My story
Statistics state that 1 in 3 of us will be affected by cancer at some time in our life and the stark reminder of this came for me when 3 years ago my mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Following surgery and cancer treatment, with the fantastic support available and with her own shear determination my mum battled her cancer and won.
However, sadly last New Years Eve 2013 my mum's husband of 24 years, my step dad David, was diagnosed with liver cancer. Five days later on 5 January 2014 David passed away. The cancer had already spread and was untreatable.
Although David's diagnosis came too late, Cancer Research UK's work has resulted in survival rates from cancer doubling in the last 40 years.
Without Cancer Research UK's research into the prevention, diagnosis and development of successful treatments for cancer, my mum and countless others may not have had the opportunity to get better.
Both my Mum and David's bravery have inspired me to take on a personal challenge to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK as the charity relies solely on donations to fund its vital work.
I wanted to do something that would be a real tough challenge for me and there was one obvious choice.
In September last year I had plucked up the courage to learn to ride a bike again after 25 years out of the saddle, having only had very limited experience of riding a bike as a child. I bought a £50 second hand bike from a friend and learnt to ride it in my back garden! I then ventured out to the local park to practice on a bigger field until after a week or two I had enough balance to attempt the roads. Slowly over the autumn I gained more confidence riding a couple of times a week with my 12 year old daughter, who I must say put me to shame!!
It was when David passed away, in early January that I conjured up the idea of riding to Paris to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of David, and I knew I'd have to put some serious training in to tackle it.
Over the rest of the winter I have spent every available evening and weekend, regardless of the dark, wind or rain riding and training. I also invested in a new bike and my current longest ride is 55 miles! I have a lot more training to do before September but am determined to be ready for London to Paris!
Please sponsor me for this very worthy cause, even a few pounds soon adds up to makes a big difference.
So please dig deep and donate now. Money is being raised in aid of Cancer Research in the hope that we can rid the world of this wicked disease for future generations.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Thank you for reading.
Emma x