Roger held a passion for cycling from a young age and, as with all aspects of his life, achieved so much.

He was a competitive road and track cyclist from the age of 15, and supported others on their fitness journeys as an accredited cycling coach throughout his life. This support included the creation of a place in the local community for cyclists which would help inspire and coach the next generation. He, alongside a group of equally passionate friends, worked with local councils and British Cycling to secure £800,000 of funding to build and run the first local outdoor velodrome - now known as the Bournemouth Cycling Centre.

This was one of many points in his life where he committed himself to helping others through fundraising and community activity. During the course of his cycling life, Roger raised over £20,000 for charities by undertaking sponsored challenges, including riding from Lands’ End to John O’Groats, and climbing up Mount Ventoux - and down - and up again (on the same day!)... as he wanted the extra challenge!

After losing his wife Irene to pancreatic cancer in 2021, Roger took sanctuary in his local gym which is where he discovered a love for Spin, as well as fantastic community who supported him through some very difficult times. This included facing his own cancer diagnosis in 2022 which required chemotherapy and a full stomach removal. Somehow Roger was back at the gym a month after surgery, and managed to maintain his MyZone MEPs throughout this time!

Devastatingly we discovered that Roger’s cancer had returned in April of this year and we said farewell to him in May – unbelievably that same month he was awarded Hall of Fame MEPstar status from MyZone, having maintained his MEP’s for 84 straight months. He was committed to the end!

So in honour of this incredible gentleman, and to give thanks to the Macmillan team at Christchurch for their exceptional care, we’re setting our own challenge...

Join us on June 28th as we run a full day of cycling classes at bh live Stokewood. Details can be found in club of time slots. All sessions are bookable via the bh live active app, or in club.