Why We Ride

Every year, hundreds of cyclists take on the challenge of riding from London to Paris, each with their own personal reason, but united for a single cause—Cure Leukaemia. This year, our small but mighty group, The Kenilworth Knackers, is taking part to help fund life-saving treatments for those battling blood cancer.

Cure Leukaemia is a national blood cancer charity that funds clinical trials, cutting-edge research, and specialist nurses to provide lifesaving treatments for both adults and children. The charity was instrumental in saving the life of our dear friend, Mark Nicholas.

Eight years ago, Mark was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia following a routine blood test after a rugby injury. His white blood cell count was dangerously high at 250 (normal is 4-10). Initial treatments helped but were not enough, and he was told he needed a Stem Cell Transplant. Thanks to Cure Leukaemia and Professor Charlie Craddock, a donor was found in Germany, and Mark underwent a successful transplant.

Two weeks later, he saw a poster for Cure Leukaemia’s cycling events, and just months after his transplant, he was back on his bike. Since then, he has completed three London to Paris rides, met his donor, and—most importantly—remained cancer-free for six years. His journey is proof that Cure Leukaemia saves lives.

Cure Leukaemia has already transformed treatment options for blood cancer patients through its Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) for adults and the IMPACT Network for stem cell transplants.

Now, they need to expand this life-saving work to children.

Four children every day in the UK are diagnosed with blood cancer.

Blood cancer is the most common cancer in children and teenagers.

While adults have access to cutting-edge clinical trials, no such network currently exists for children.

The charity aims to raise £5 million to establish a paediatric clinical trials network to ensure children receive the latest treatments.

15 blood cancer centres across the UK already support adult patients—this must exist for children, too.

By funding research and trials, Cure Leukaemia offers hope to patients of all ages. We have living proof that their work makes a difference.

Fueled by Passion, Powered by You – Our Sponsors Drive Us Forward

We’re not just cycling—we’re pushing ourselves beyond our limits for something bigger than us. Some of us are seasoned cyclists, but many of us are just a bunch of stubborn, Lycra-clad warriors battling sore legs and dodgy saddles to help beat blood cancer.

And that’s where you, our sponsors, come in.

Your support isn’t just a name on our jersey. It’s the extra gear change on a hill, the push through aching legs, the reason we keep turning the pedals when every part of us screams to stop. Because every pound you donate gets us closer to Paris and patients closer to life-saving treatment.

So, when we roll up to the Eiffel Tower, gasping for breath and maybe shedding a tear or two, we’ll know we didn’t do it alone. We did it together—with your name on our backs and your support in our hearts.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Our team is taking on the challenge of cycling from London to Paris once again, but we can’t do it alone. Every donation helps fund lifesaving research, medical trials, and specialist nurses who make these treatments possible.

By sponsoring our ride, you’re not just backing a cycling challenge—you’re helping to give more families a future with their loved ones.

Support The Kenilworth Knackers & Cure Leukaemia

The Fantastic Knackers team are :

John Lillie, Mark Cunningham,Tom Cullingford, Jonathon Wallis, Richard Bennett, Jude Bennett, Andrew Dalton, Will Radburn-Todd, Andrew Mitchell,

Darren McMahon, Daffydd Harrison, David Burges, Alistair Cooper