In late September, I am taking part in a bike ride over nearly 500 km in Malawi for World Child Cancer, a brilliant charity which helps children with cancer in the developing world. WCC is well-connected and has low running costs.

The statistical symmetry is cruel: while 80% of children with cancer in the developed world can expect to be cured, that is true for less than 20% in the developing world. Often children do not even get pain relief, which is simply obscene.

But money goes so much further in poorer countries. For example, £50 can pay for chemotherapy for a child with Burkitt’s lymphoma, and just £40 will pay for pain relief for 4 children for 4 weeks.

I am dedicating the ride – which is going to be tough, in searing heat – to my son Daniel, who died of bone cancer just 3 days short of his 23^rd birthday in 2011. In his unassuming way, Daniel was so inspirational, and he has inspired me to want to help kids who are currently denied the excellent treatment he received.

Thank you so much for supporting me. It means a lot

David

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