cycling for cancer charities

Dear Friends

As you may know I was diagnosed in 2019 with skin cancer and underwent surgery followed by, during the lockdown of 2020, a 12 month course of immunotherapy. Thankfully, since then, my regular scans and check-ups have been clear for which I am both relieved and grateful. Sadly, however, during 2021, two close friends lost their wives to cancer and l learned of one whilst cycling the Historic Churches ride from Felixstowe to Framsden, some 40 miles and my longest ever cycle ride, but interspersed by lots of stops at 20 churches and one pub!

That morning I decided that I would do something to try and raise funds for cancer charities and on reaching 65 earlier this year I thought that I could perhaps cycle 65 miles at 65 years. I discussed my thoughts with two close cycling friends who kindly offered to help me and we decided that we would cycle from their home to my home – a distance of exactly 100 miles!! Cameron and Gary live at/near Buckden Marina which is a place very close to my heart as I spent a lot of time there between 1989 and 2007, the last 10 years of which combined business with pleasure after I joined a group of like-minded people and bought the business out of Administration. This business opportunity also allowed me to make new friends for the rest of my life, including Cameron and Gary.

Our ride will, all being well, finish at Felixstowe, which I love and where I now live. My association with Felixstowe came about after my involvement with the renovation of the former Bartlet Convalescent Home between 2012 and 2016 .

To travel between two destinations that are so special to me seems appropriate and our ride is scheduled to take place very soon- on 11th/12th August 2023 (with an overnight stop in Long Melford which also holds fond memories).

If you are able to spare a couple of quid and sponsor my efforts I would be very grateful and whilst I am not setting any specific targets I propose splitting any monies raised between Cancer Research UK and Cancer Campaign in Suffolk, being two charities that work hard in the treatment and support of people who are affected by this terrible disease.

Please wish me luck and look out for the outcome of my challenge!

Peter