Earlier in the year, John Carey-Shields discovered that a friend and former colleague had been diagnosed with an inoperable lung cancer. At the same time, one of his clients was diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus and another friend and former colleague was being treated for prostate cancer. Determined to do something to help, John signed up to take part in Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s annual bike ride, Challenge Cancer Cycle.
Having never taken part in a long distance bike ride, this was a huge challenge for John. Unfortunately due to the pandemic the annual event was cancelled – but this didn’t stop John from completing an incredible 62 mile bike ride! Taking the route from the Charity’s Events Team, he adapted it so that he could start and finish at home in Formby. This enormous distance is the furthest that John has ever ridden on his bike, and as well as taking on the mammoth cycling challenge John has also raised over £850 to help his friends, and the 1 in 2 of us in our region who will develop cancer in their lifetime. We are delighted for John and would like to say a massive thank you to him for such an incredible achievement.
“Finding out that my old friend, and work colleague was given a terminal prognosis I knew I had to do something to help. In support of his treatment at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, I decided to challenge myself and cycle more than 60 miles from home (Formby) and through Rivington. Cycling is one of my favourite hobbies, so this felt like the perfect challenge.”
We are so grateful to all of our wonderful cyclists and fundraisers who have gone above and beyond for the Charity. If you would, like John, love to take part in a cycling challenge for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, take a look at our selection here or get in touch with us at ccf-tr.fundraising@nhs.net or 0151 556 5566.