Grad’s solo C2C cycle through Spain (north to south) for
Macmillan

After a two-year postponement due to Covid, Monday 16th May 2022 will now be the start of my epic coast to coast solo challenge, cycling 785 miles from Santander in the north of Spain to Mijas Pueblo in the south, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Chris Freeman, my father-in-law. This cycle challenge will (hopefully!) take ten days. 

After a forced cancellation of the original event that should have happened in May 2020 (all booked and trained for!) I am absolutely over the moon that my charity challenge is still going to happen, exactly as it was originally planned and almost two years to the day! I was devastated to think it was never going to come to fruition. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support...it means so much to me. 

Who was Chris?

Christopher Edward Freeman was born on the 23rd June 1944. His school days were spent at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire followed by St Catherine’s College, Oxford for his university years.

Chris was a District Judge at Manchester from 1987, following a successful career as a solicitor and then became a Recorder (Deputy Circuit Judge) in 1996. He moved to Burnley County Court in 2005 and retired in 2011 but continued to sit as a Deputy District Judge and
Recorder until he became ill at the end of April 2014. He was very successful and well respected.

Chris lived in Ribchester, Lancashire with his beloved wife Judy (my mother-in-law) and was a prominent member of Ribchester Amateur Theatrical Society for many years, mainly as musical director but also as pantomime dame, composer, performer and latterly scriptwriter of several pantomimes. He was an incredibly talented pianist, organist, musician and wordsmith.

To me, Chris was a loving father-in-law and friend. He was always incredibly kind and supportive towards me and our entire family (including his two step-daughters, their husbands and his four beloved
grandchildren).

Why raise money for Macmillan Cancer? 

For many of us, this is not an unfamiliar story, which has had the same ending. In 2014 Chris was diagnosed with incurable cancer and very sadly passed away peacefully in December of that year.

Macmillan Cancer Support provides the physical, emotional and financial support to people affected by cancer, across communities that surround us. Macmillan ensures that help is always available,
but is solely dependent on donations from people and businesses to provide its services and support. This is why I have chosen to support Macmillan.

Why cycle Spain north to south coast?

Chris & Judy holidayed in Mijas Pueblo on numerous occasions; on their own, with friends & family and often visiting close friends that lived there. They enjoyed the Andalusian coast & country and way of life very much. On one occasion they drove the stunning journey from Santander to Mijas by car, exploring the many beautiful and fascinating cities and towns along the way...it was quite the adventure!

Over dinner at our house in Ulverston, Judy reminisced about some of the places she visited with Chris during that memorable trip. Having had a glass of wine (or two!) I found myself saying “I could cycle that!” half joking, half not…to which Judy replied, “Yes you could…in memory of Chris and to raise money for a cancer charity.”

This throwaway comment has now turned into reality, a challenge of epic proportions and a tribute to a wonderful man.

The route will naturally take in some of the places visited by Chris & Judy, finishing in their beloved Mijas Pueblo where Judy, my wife Charlotte and our daughters Lily and Alice will be there to greet me, hopefully with a glass Spain’s finest Cava to celebrate my
achievement!

The route will start from the port of Santander and pass through Unquera,  Riano, Palencia, Toro, Salamanca, Plasencia, Carceres, Merida, El Saucejo, Rhonda, Fuengirola (touch the sea) and then cycle the last 10-miles back in land to Mijas Pueblo. Approximately 785-miles.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and enjoy some of your own memories of Chris (if you were lucky enough to have known him). If you feel that you can sponsor me, every penny counts and is hugely appreciated.

Statistically, 1 in 2 people in the UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. Dad, mum, brother, sister, son, daughter, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, in-laws, step-parents, extended families, friends, colleagues or associates. Race, religion, sex, gender, age, rich, poor… It doesn’t matter….

Cancer could impact you.