Liverpool entrepreneur swaps sushi rolls for wheels in cancer research challenge

The owner of Liverpool’s Japanese restaurant, Izakaya will take on an epic 300mile cycling challenge, to raise money for life-saving cancer research in memory of his uncle.

Harry Marquart, will take part in North West Cancer Research’s Cycle of Hope challenge this July, cycling 70 miles a day over four days.

The 26-year-old who lives in Crosby and is from West Cork, Ireland originally signed up after his uncle was diagnosed with throat cancer.

Harry said: “When a family member is diagnosed with cancer you feel completely helpless and I wanted to do something to show my support – that was when I discovered North West Cancer Research and the work they are funding here in Liverpool.

“We’ve been working with the charity for some time now, encouraging customers to leave a £1 donation on their bill, but when I heard about Cycle of Hope I knew I wanted to take part.

“Not only will I help raise funds for life-saving research, which will hopefully help people like my uncle who are battling cancer, but I’m hoping it will be a great way to get out, get some exercise and de-stress.

The active entrepreneur, plans to start his training in June and will replicate the challenge by covering 300 miles every four days, pedaling through the streets of Liverpool.

Harry hopes to raise £2,000 for North West Cancer Research and plans to use his social media platforms and restaurants to raise as much money as he can for the charity.

The entrepreneur who co-owns Izakaya will install donation boxes at the Castle Street restaurant, as well as the newly opened pop up at Liverpool’s Baltic Market where Harry hopes to do a pre-event static cycle fundraiser.

Cycle of Hope, will form part of a year-long calendar of events to celebrate North West Cancer Research’s 70^th anniversary this year.

The inaugural event will see a peloton of cyclists cover 300 miles of scenery across the region, taking in Lancaster, North Wales and Liverpool, where the charity has committed to supporting more than £13million of research over the next five years.

Starting on July 11^th the route will finish on July 14^th in Dublin. All money raised by cyclists will contribute to further funding for life-saving cancer research across the region.

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “Harry was one of the very first to sign up to Cycle of Hope and his enthusiasm for the challenge has been wonderful. His support for the charity over the last few months has helped raise money which will enable us to continue funding vital research into cancer here in the city.”

To support Harry in his challenge, you can donate via his Just Giving page.

Entries are still open to take part in Cycle of Hope and more information can be found here.