A Tale of two Cities - London to Paris Charity Ride – and Two Charities Supporting Kidney Cancer UK & Harrow Cycle Hub

*“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”*

This year has been just that.

It was a time of **hospitals**, it was a time of **bicycles**.

It was a time of **fear**, it was a time of **hope**.

It was a time of **losing a kidney**, it was a time of **finding resilience**.

In early 2025, I was diagnosed with **renal cell carcinoma**. Since then, I’ve undergone a **radical nephrectomy** and begun a year-long course of **immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab)**. These months have tested me in body and spirit — yet they have also revealed strength, kindness and community in ways I never expected.

Two organisations have stood beside me:

**Kidney Cancer UK** – offering support, guidance and a voice for patients and families.

**Harrow Cycle Hub Wheels for All** – where I volunteer, and where cycling transforms lives, opening joy and freedom to people of all ages and abilities.

https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/26192#!/DonationDetails

To honour them both, I am planning to London to Paris at the end of September, a ride I’d planned several years ago, when it seemed just a thing to do, but has now become a mile stone in my recovery, and the opportunity to give back.

Every mile will carry this double truth: that the darkest of times can also light the way to better days.

Your support will mean:

* Kidney Cancer UK can continue its vital work for people like me.

* Harrow Cycle Hub can keep its Wheels for All programme rolling, ensuring no one is left behind when it comes to cycling.

Please give what you can. Together, we can turn the hardest chapters into a story of hope, strength, and community.

With gratitude,

Des Gayler

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