‍♂️ Tour de 4: Supporting Lymphoma Action

As you may know, last summer my father, Anthony Ayles, was diagnosed with stage 4 high-grade B cell lymphoma in his spine and ribs. This is an aggressive cancer that grows quickly—but can also respond well to treatment. After nine grueling months of R-CHOP chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, he is now in monitored remission for the next three years.

Throughout this emotional and frightening time, Sir Chris Hoy was a consistent source of inspiration. Dad has always been passionate about cycling, and we have fond family memories of watching Chris Hoy and his team win Gold at London 2012. When Sir Chris publicly shared his own stage 4 cancer diagnosis—coinciding with Dad’s — and generously spoke so openly about his treatment and recovery, it gave our family the language to talk about Dad’s own experience.

At the start of Dad’s third round of chemo, when spirits were low, Sir Chris announced the Tour de 4—a fundraising cycling event for those affected by stage 4 cancer. It gave us something to focus on. Dad, my brother Will, and I, along with a wonderful number of Dad's friends, have signed up to ride the 56-mile route through the hilly countryside outside Glasgow on Sunday, 7th September.

The route we are riding is described as “a challenge for seasoned riders”—which is hilarious, considering my cycling experience is limited to a 5-mile daily commute from Battersea to Mayfair. Dad has promised to wait for me at the top of the hills...

But we’re a competitive family (!) and we love a challenge. I’m confident that raising money for Lymphoma Action—the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma—will give us the motivation to train and complete the ride. Their mission is to ensure no one faces lymphoma alone, and your support can make a real difference.

Why Lymphoma Action?

Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and Lymphoma Action’s mission is simple but powerful: to make sure no one faces lymphoma alone. They provide vital support, information, and community to people affected by this disease—and your donation can help them continue this life-changing work.