Four intrepid ladies that have been through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are now living life to the full. To celebrate and to challenge ourselves Miranda decided in 2020 that a cycle ride from Canterbury to Amsterdam would be a good idea! Postponed by two years due to Covid, we are now set to ride in August 2022. There are twelve in the team - us four ladies and eight close friends and family. Some of the team are new to cycling and others seasoned pros.
The challenge is paid in full by the participants and all funds raised will go to the charity.

Here are a few of our stories:

Gwen - “Cycling? No, thank you” has been my answer for so many years. “Canterbury to Amsterdam? Why not!” So, what is different this time? My name is Gwen Bateman and I just could not refuse this challenge with a very enthusiastic and supportive group!
 Cancers are sadly touching most of our lives directly or indirectly. Professional health teams are doing a fantastic job and progress is happening everyday. They cannot however do everything and they often need help from charities to support their patients.
Breast Cancer Now is an active research and patient care charity that helps fill this gap. Please support this charity by endorsing me in this challenge.

Tracy - My name is Tracy Trapp and normally I am not a cyclist! Running's my thing but when offered a challenge, I can't resist. Like many women, breast cancer is very personal to me, having been diagnosed 9 years ago with bilateral cancer. I had just started up my own potato business and had two young children. As devastating as the diagnosis was, I have not let the cancer stop me achieving my goals and I have met many fantastic new friends. In 2019 I was lucky enough to complete a lifelong ambition - the London marathon - so cycling to Amsterdam is the perfect antidote for a post-lifetime ambition as well as raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Now. It's a fantastic charity for those affected by this disease providing much needed support and trusted information.

Christine - When Miranda came up with the idea of a bike ride from Canterbury to Amsterdam in aid of breast cancer research I immediately knew I had to go. Not only because I'm married to Dom our guide but because like so many women of a certain age my life has been touched by it - very close to home obviously - knowing Miranda and my sister Linda- both of them very recent; also other friends and relatives from years past, not all of whom had access to the treatments of today.
I also love a long distance bike ride. I have never ridden in the Netherlands and I'm excited to try out all the cycle paths Dom has in store for us. I'm sad there are no hills but I think I'll have to learn to enjoy the flat! The best bit of each day is arriving at a new hotel in the evening quite tired but pleased with oneself(!) and I have done my best to ensure that we will all be very happy when we arrive each evening!
I think the whole ride will be great fun and I'm really looking forward to riding with what I'm sure will be a great group.

Emma - I love a challenge and Miranda is very persuasive and an inspiration for me, so she soon got me back on my bike!
Through my mother in law, I have seen the importance of research and development in treatment. She was diagnosed in 2002 and after undertaking significant treatment, is now fit and well and better than ever at 81.
I’m really pleased to have an opportunity to support such a worthy cause and undertake a personal challenge.

Miranda - Four years post diagnosis, I am now feeling stronger both physically and mentally. How can I give something back I asked myself? Those of you that know me, know that I like a challenge - but what has changed is, that not only do I want to challenge myself, but more importantly to support and motivate others that are or have been through cancer. In the early days I never believed I would feel strong enough to organise let alone take part but life does move on and get better. Life is different to before cancer but through the support and generosity of Breast Cancer charities, family, friends and total strangers I believe in myself again. I want to empower others to feel the same and regain that lost confidence.
If by completing this ride with my fellow cyclists and raising money for Breast Cancer Now, I will have made a small but positive difference and hopefully inspired others.