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Links: Instagram: @rangarides / Strava: Olly Porter / Much Loved: Bill Porter
Live Tracker: https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/alps-arc-26/
In April 2023 my Dad died from Melanoma Cancer.
It had begun a year earlier with a mole on his arm, promptly removed, standard 'protocols' being followed, and apparently no particular cause for concern. In early 2023 though things happened very quickly when it became clear the melanoma had 'metastasised', terrifyingly, in multiple places in his brain, as well as his liver and lungs. Despite swift treatment with immunotherapy and 'stereotactic' radiotherapy he died just 8 weeks after diagnosis. Life changed dramatically for me and my family; we are still adapting to life without Dad and trying to come to terms with what happened.
For those who didn’t know Dad, he was truly kind, good hearted, fair, positive and fun - the ultimate role model for my brother and me. He also left a lasting positive impact on so many others in his community - please read more on his tribute page here if you'd like to.
I have known for a while that I would like to do something in his memory, but it has taken until now to find the right moment and energy to bring this to reality. Fortunately for me, finding a suitable 'challenge' was the easy part.. I first conceptualised the idea below in 2020 as a cycling adventure, but now it has been reborn with a whole new purpose.
I will be completing this challenge to raise funds for Melanoma Focus - please read on for further details of the charity. I will be incredibly grateful for any donations you are able to make.
My Challenge: Alps Arc ‘26
In July, I will attempt to fulfil a long-held ambition to cycle the length of the Alps. The route will take me through the full ‘arc of the alps’ from Trieste to Nice, via Lake Geneva, where I will pick up the ‘Route des Grandes Alpes’. I will pass through Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland and France.
This is an original challenge of my own design and is a level above anything I have done before. In total I will be covering 1,900km and ascending more than 35,000m tackling 28 high alpine climbs, with a target to complete the ride in 8 days. I have done big rides before but nothing over such a sustained period without support and in such challenging terrain. I expect to be severely tested both physically and mentally!
I will be providing updates throughout my training on instagram and Strava so do please follow along - links at the top of this page. You will also be able to live-track my progress during the challenge via 'Follow my Challenge'. More details on this to be shared nearer the time.
The Route:
In Memory of Bill Porter: Fundraising for Melanoma Focus
Melanoma accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancers but is responsible for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths, due to its ability to spread quickly to other organs if not caught early. 9 in 10 cases of melanoma are preventable, but typically the UV damage which causes it takes place in childhood, teens and early adulthood.
The charity Melanoma Focus was recommended to us by the oncology team at Southampton General Hospital where Dad was treated. It was founded in memory and recognition of Professor Sheila Bingham OBE, who died of melanoma in 2009. The people we’ve spoken with have impressed us with their serious intent and how in their words this small charity ‘punches above its weight’. There are three ‘pillars’ to its dedicated work, all of which feel very relevant to us:
* Healthcare professionals: the charity commissions vital melanoma research for patient and public benefit; creates and publishes educational, resources, reports and guidelines for clinicians, scientists and nurses; organises bi-annual melanoma meetings for healthcare professionals.
* Patients: it funds the only UK confidential Melanoma Helpline manned by leading clinical nurse specialists in skin cancer; organises the annual Melanoma Patient Conference, a safe space for patients and carers to interact and network while hearing about the latest advances in melanoma medicine; produces and maintains the Melanoma TrialFinder, a resource to support the understanding of melanoma clinical trials across the UK; involves experts and patients in the creation of patient information including guidelines for rare melanomas.
* Advocacy and awareness: raising awareness of melanoma and its prevention