North Coast 500

On November 17th, 2024, Rich tragically lost his mum, Lesley, to cancer. Lesley was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and with her characteristic strength and determination, she fought bravely and achieved 8 years of remission. Tragically, in December 2023, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. Despite her unwavering spirit and will to fight once again, the disease proved too aggressive. She passed away peacefully at The Primrose Unit, surrounded by her immediate family.

On the 22nd of June the four of us will begin our challenging cycle of The North Coast 500, taking on 6 gruelling days cycling an average of 86-miles(138km) per day. Raising money for a great cause: Macmillan Cancer Support & The Primrose Unit, located at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove.

The care Lesley received at The Primrose Unit was nothing short of extraordinary. The nurses and staff went above and beyond to ensure she was as comfortable as possible during her final week, offering not just physical care but emotional support for both Lesley and our family. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication allowed Lesley to pass peacefully, and we’ll forever be grateful for everything they did for her.

Lesley was a truly beautiful person, inside and out. Her selflessness and kindness touched everyone she met, and she had an incredible way of making everyone feel valued. Now, it’s our turn to give back and honour her memory.

In her honour, we’re taking on a 516-mile cycle challenge this June, raising money for two causes close to our hearts:

About Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan is one of the UK’s largest cancer charities, dedicated to helping people live life as fully as possible while dealing with cancer. They provide essential financial assistance, specialist information, and healthcare services, while also addressing the emotional, social, and practical challenges faced by patients and their families. Macmillan’s tireless advocacy for better cancer care has transformed countless lives, and we want to help them continue this incredible work.

About The Primrose Unit

The Primrose Unit, located at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, is a specialist palliative care unit that provides exceptional end-of-life care for cancer patients. Relying heavily on donations, the unit supports not only patients but also their families during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

The team at The Primrose Unit offers compassionate care, ensuring patients are comfortable and pain-free, while also providing emotional and practical support to families. They listen to concerns, guide families through difficult decisions, and offer support after a loved one has passed. Each year, the unit cares for hundreds of patients, making a profound difference in their final days and helping families navigate their grief.

The care Lesley received at The Primrose Unit was a testament to their dedication. They made her final week as comfortable as possible, ensuring she passed peacefully and with dignity. Their unwavering compassion and support for our family during such a difficult time is something we’ll never forget.

An Overview of the NC500 Cycle:

The NC500 starts and ends in Inverness, passing through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness and Easter Ross. The terrain is varied and challenging, including steep climbs, winding descents, exposed coastal roads and quiet rural stretches. The typical time to complete this cycle takes on average 10 days, however we wanted to push out limits and complete this within 6 days.

Cycling the North Coast 500 is a formidable challenge, even for seasoned cyclists. Spanning over 516 miles (830 km) of Scotland's rugged and remote northern coastline, the route is renowned for its dramatic scenery, but this beauty comes with grueling demands.

The NC500 combines relentless elevation gains—over 10,000 meters in total—with technical climbs, such as the iconic Bealach na Bà. This mountain pass is infamous for its hairpin bends, steep gradients reaching up to 20%, and exposure to fierce winds. It’s one of the toughest cycling climbs in the UK and only one of many punishing ascents along the route. Beyond the climbs, the terrain varies from rolling hills to long stretches of exposed coastal roads, often buffeted by strong winds.

How You Can Help

We kindly ask everyone to dig deep and help us raise as much money as possible for these two amazing causes. Your generous donations will go a long way in supporting Macmillan’s vital services and ensuring that The Primrose Unit can continue offering their incredible care to others in need.

Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those facing cancer and their families. Thank you so much for your support!