Stuart Humphrey, Managing Director of Phoenix Media Marketing in West Sussex, is preparing to take on the brutal London Anglesey London Audax challenge this summer, cycling approximately 1,000 kilometres to raise money for the Sussex Cancer Fund in memory of his friend Cliff Ketteridge, who lost his life to cancer.

The endurance event will see riders travel from London into Wales and back again with minimal sleep, tackling huge physical and mental demands across several days in the saddle.

For Stuart, the challenge is deeply personal.

“Cancer touches nearly every family in some way,” he said. “Cliff was one of the good men in life and I wanted to do something meaningful in his memory whilst helping a local charity that quietly supports so many people across Sussex.”

Sussex Cancer Fund provides support to cancer patients and NHS teams across the county through funding equipment, research, treatment support and complementary therapies.

The ride also marks a remarkable recovery journey for Stuart, who suffered a near-fatal cycling accident in 2023 whilst descending Ditchling Beacon.

After colliding with the rear of a hearse in stationary traffic, Stuart was rushed to the hospital in critical condition with head injuries, broken ribs and a bleed on the brain.

“I can laugh about it now,” he said. “At the time, it was incredibly serious. There was an empty coffin in the back of the hearse, and I remember joking with the driver that if I did not make it, at least he could fast-track me to the morgue.”

Despite the injuries, Stuart returned to cycling and has spent the last few years rebuilding both physically and mentally through endurance riding and training.

“This is not just about the miles,” he explained. “Long distance cycling strips life back to basics. You keep moving forward because you have to, and I think many families facing cancer understand that feeling all too well.”

The fundraising effort also forms part of the 2026 Sussex Cancer Fund Business Charity League, a countywide fundraising competition where Sussex businesses compete to raise money for local cancer services.

Running from April to August, companies across Sussex battle for the top spot on a live fundraising leaderboard before the final awards night in September.

Businesses are encouraged to create teams and fundraise in any way they choose, from endurance challenges and fun runs to quiz nights, bake sales and community events.

Stuart added:

“I love the idea behind the Business Charity League because it brings businesses together for something bigger than profit and targets. Sussex businesses are full of good people and this gives everyone the chance to make a genuine difference locally.”

Businesses can register teams of up to four people, with multiple teams allowed from each company.

The Sussex Cancer Fund works with the NHS to create new and improved facilities for cancer care in Sussex, including purchasing specialist equipment, providing additional patient services, refurbishment projects and funding cancer research studies.

It is likely that every Cancer Patient in Sussex will have benefitted from something the Sussex Cancer Fund has provided. #RaisedInSussexStaysInSussex.