A community of cyclists is preparing to cycle around the Isle of Wight to help find a cure for brain tumours.
Back for a 6th year, scores of riders are gearing up to take part in the Brain Tumour Research Isle of Wight Randonnée for the charity, Brain Tumour Research.
Riders can choose to cycle 68 miles once around the Island, or double their distance clockwise and anticlockwise along scenic coastal paths. Brand-new for this year is a 100 mile distance taking participants along tricky terrain and gravel paths.
The event which takes place on Saturday 1st July was set up by Fareham local, Simon Tier, 55, who will be managing the event once again. It’s after he lost his best friend of 30 years to the disease. Alan Neilson of Portsmouth, died of brain cancer in November 2015 after suffering with debilitating migraines and muscle spasms.
Alan endured multiple rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment alongside a trial drug. He outlived his 2-year prognosis, surviving 4 years after he was initially diagnosed. He was 47.
Amongst the cyclists taking part is Simon Warren of Hedge End, who has signed up for the 68 mile route alongside, Ian Hutchinson, Gary Fowen, Tony Liggett, Kyle MacDonald and Gavin Rampton.
Their challenge is inspired by the death of Southampton schoolgirl, Brooke Leavey who died 11 months after she was diagnosed with a diffuse midline-glioma (DIPG).
After exhausting treatment options in the UK, the family felt forced to raise more than £200,000 for private treatment. Despite monthly trips to New York and Germany where the clinical trials were taking place, Brooke’s cancer was too aggressive and she died, aged just 10.
Simon and Ian are best friends with Brooke’s dad, Dan.
Simon said:
“Our daughters were in the same school year and were really good friends. It was horrendous to see what the family went through during Brooke’s diagnosis.
The riders, whose ages range from mid-30s to 65, have been training for the last year, racking up 45 miles each week in preparation for Isle of Wight’s hilly landscape. They’ve raised £2,600 for the charity and hope to reach £3,000, which can contribute to a day of research at one of the charity’s Centres of Excellence.
Simon, who has overcome his own health problems to take part in the event, added:
“Training started off slow but each team member is building up their strength and stamina. When we find it tough, we remember why we are doing it and the people who have donated to us.
“Dan is proud and grateful that we are continuing to fund the fight in Brooke’s memory. I witnessed the family go through a terrible time, learning first-hand that there is no cure and a lack of treatment options available in the UK. Although it’s too late for Brooke, we want to make sure no other family has to go through the loss and devastation caused by this disease.”
To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Simon Warren’s fundraiser visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Bikeforbrooke2.
To sign up for the Brain Tumour Research Isle of Wight Randonnée (not to be confused with thee IW Randonnee) visit https://bit.ly/3P5MJGf.
Let’s hope they cycle sensibly all in single file
not like the charlitans who cycle side by side holding
each other’s hands making roads dangerous for everyone.
Apart from that good luck it’s a good cause.
You Cheeky sausage.
Give the highway code another read, there’s been a few ammendments.
And the two abreast law has always been so.
With your dodgy spelling, I doubt you could even read the Highway Code.
You are right, the highway code is clear on this… however, some people cant handle actual facts and give you a thumbs down, quite sad.
Looking at the constant reports of car crashes in the Echo etc, it’s cars that are making the roads dangerous for everyone, fact! …but you are right about the event being for a good cause.
I’ll happily sponsor them £50 if they don’t cycle on our already slow and clogged up rds!
Slow clogged up roads indeed… 99% cars causing it.
Good luck hope the weather stays fine for you