North West Cancer Research raises £20k with its Cycle of Hope event

Cyclists from across the region saddled up for North West Cancer Research as they took to the streets for the Cycle of Hope, raising a massive £20,000.

The annual event, which took place on Sunday 11 June, saw a total of 87 people cycle through Merseyside and West Lancashire to help raise funds for the vital work by North West Cancer Research.

Featuring a choice of two routes – 60km and 60 miles-long – the Cycle of Hope has become a staple in North West Cancer Research’s calendar for the last three years, with more than £80,000 having been raised to date.

Designed for beginners, the 60km option gives participants the chance to go at their own pace and soak up the scenery of winding country roads, tranquil canals and the Parbold Hill in Lancashire.

As an alternative, and for those with more cycling experience, the 60-mile route stretches further east, taking in the stunning views at Rivington Pike and exploring picturesque Lancashire villages through to the finish line.

This year, the event raised a total of £20,000, which will go towards a series of upcoming projects being funded by the charity.

Among those taking part was a team of researchers from Lancaster University.

Andrew Fielding, senior lecturer in cancer research at the university, was joined by colleagues from the Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences to complete the cycle. Andrew and his team are currently working on a breast cancer project, developing new treatments for triple negative breast cancer patients.

Alongside Andrew was North West Cancer Research-funded PhD student Otto Wheeler; senior lecturer and director of research Mick Urbaniak; researcher Adam Johnson; and Martin Knowles from the Philanthropy, Alumni and Supporter Engagement team.

Andrew said: “The charity supports a lot of research in our department, and at Lancaster University more widely, so we thought this would be a great opportunity to give something back.

“It was a fantastic day riding together through the lanes of Merseyside and Lancashire and, although some of the steep hills were certainly challenging, we’d trained in the run up to the event and we were able to power through.

“We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and are hoping to recruit more of the team to take part with us!”

North West Cancer Research is dedicated to tackling the cause, improving the care and finding the cure for cancer, focusing on the specific cancer needs of those living across the North West.

Sponsored by Southport and Liverpool-based law firm Brown Turner Ross, the Cycle of Hope is just one of a series of fundraising events held throughout the year, with the charity getting involved in a variety of activities to raise funds.

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said:

“Our Cycle of Hope is always an incredibly inspirational event and we love welcoming back cyclists each year, as well as saying hello to new participants.

“In the North West, we have higher cancer rates than the rest of the country – this is an issue that we are dedicated to tackling, through both our research and our education about signs and symptoms.

“We are confident that, through our work, we can help create a future that is free from cancer but, until then, our supporters’ donations are vital and we are hugely grateful to every single person who took part in the Cycle of Hope and helped raise funds for our various projects.”