Friends of more than 30 years Keith, Matt and Haydn are riding the Tour de 4 2026 to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, taking on a 56 mile course starting at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow.

The event is about showing that a diagnosis does not define a person, and highlighting what life with Stage 4 cancer can look like: strength, resilience and determination.

Keith was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel cancer in 2017; after 2 rounds of chemotherapy proved ineffective he was told that there were no more standard treatments available and he had a prognosis of a 50% chance of living beyond 12 months.

Keith's oncologist referred him to the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Centre to see if there was a clinical trial that would be suitable, and in February 2018 he started a phase 2 trial for a novel immunotherapy which continued for the next 7 years. In February 2025 he started a phase 1 trial for a new experimental drug called a Werner Inhibitor at the Christie in Manchester. In May 2026 he began treatment with Nivolumab and ipilimumab.

Having taken up running in 2017 during chemo as a means of mitigating the side effects of the treatment, Keith decided that it would be a good idea to enter the ballot for the 2019 Great North Run. Somewhat to his annoyance he got a place and had to run his first half marathon in 30 years 18 months after an incurable cancer diagnosis. Since then he has run again in 2023 and 2025.

In 2020, locked in the house for months due to Covid shielding requirements, Keith rode the 2018 Tour de France on his turbo trainer - an endeavour in which Matt and Haydn regularly accompanied him. Since then they have ridden with him repeatedly on sponsored and recreational rides.

Haydn, Matt and Keith are raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation because cancer research and clinical trials help develop treatments that help people have a greater chance of survival or a longer life after diagnosis.

All funds raised will go to charities supporting people affected by Stage 4 cancer. If you’re able to donate or share, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every contribution helps provide vital support and care.