Now more than ever causes close to your heart need your support. COVID-19 is a tragic situation which has effected many in ways most people have never seen before, but the harsh reality is that it is economically and operationally effecting other charities and causes. Like with any charity the effect of this loss of income from fundraising events and alike has far-reaching effects on the amazing services, support and research Blood Cancer UK can provide.  

This is why despite the Coronavirus pandemic, I’m still dedicated to trying to raise funds and awareness of the great work of Blood Cancer UK, in memory of my much loved Grandad, who we lost to Leukaemia in 2002. He meant the world to us all as a family and he would have been 100 years old this year and I was set to do another year of cycling challenges in his memory, after previously in 2016, I’d taken on Lands End to John O’Groats, Le Mans 24 Hour Cycle Challenge, RideLondon Surrey 100, Alpe D’Huez and Mt. Ventoux and more. It was all set to kick-off with my toughest one-day challenge to date Liege-Bastogne-Liege, 266km over the famous cycling monument course, but since the postponement due to lockdown, I’ve turned my sights to a new sort of cycling challenge…

The Challenge: 12 Hours Of Zwift

On Sunday 3rd May 2020, I will cycle 12 hours on Zwift; a virtual cycling game which is powered by actual cycling on a static turbo trainer. The world feeds back data to adjust the difficulty based on the gradient and other factors making it the closest one can get to cycling outdoors over varying terrain.

From around 9am BST, I’ll be going live on YouTube until the end of the ride at 7.30pm BST. You’ll be able to watch my avatar take on the virtual wonderland of Watopia, an island with deserts, underwater tunnels, ancient ruins and mountains! 

The Cause: Blood Cancer UK

They’re a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. They do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, they’ve invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, their community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about my story and challenge ahead. If you can donate; no matter how small an amount, it will help us find a cure to these awful diseases sooner and offer support and guidance to the unfortunate people who have to suffer from blood cancers. If you can’t donate in these difficult times then please do share on social media.

Stay Home, Stay Safe.

Phil

Live Stream Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uFB9SOOCg0

YouTube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt_6e78-MCXK-85cH4lcqHQ/