Dad’s Cancer Treatment

Dad’s Cancer Treatment

Hi, my name is Alex Smyth and I haven’t cycled since I was a 15 years old.

I have decided to take on the London to Brighton 55 miles cycling challenge and go the distance for my dad!

Heres our story:

On the 13th of March 2024, my Dad experienced multiple seizures which he didn't wake up from. An ambulance rushed him to the hospital, where he was put into an induced coma and moved to intensive care.

A week later my Dad woke up but had lost his speech and was paralyzed with very limited mobility. We soon discovered that a brain tumour, has caused this.

Since then, Dad has made incredible strides, regaining full movement. He’s currently undergoing speech therapy and is improving week by week with the support of his speech therapist. Following the diagnosis, Dad underwent four intense weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with chemotherapy ongoing.

Additionally, there’s a treatment called Bevacizumab, a private medication typically not used for brain tumours, but suggested by the consultant to stop blood flow to the tumour, slowing it’s growth. Since this medication is only available privately, it has to be self-funded. Seeing its benefits, we’ve committed to continuing this treatment.

Thanks to the generosity of those supporting this fundraiser, we were able to fund several rounds of Bevacizumab, giving Dad valuable time and a chance at improved quality of life.

Sadly, on the 16th of May, my Dad passed away. His final days were spent with extraordinary compassion and care at Princess Alice Hospice, a place that supported him with grace, warmth, and dignity.

Now, this ride is not just for treatment, it’s to honour my Dad’s strength, and to support the hospice that helped him at the end of his journey.

While the original aim was to fund a full year of treatment, I’m now continuing this challenge in memory of my Dad, and to pay it forward to others who may need care from Princess Alice.