A team of cyclists from Burnham-On-Sea will be tackling the famous John O’Groats to Land’s End (JOGTLE) cycle challenge this month in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Richard Campbell, Simon Walsh, Jamie Saunders – all from Burnham-On-Sea – will be joining friends Max Collingwood and Ben Bowley from North Petherton and setting off on the 980 mile cycle with the aim of completing the challenge in 12 days.
The JOGTLE team is fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK, after Richard’s father-in-law Malcolm Troy, also from Burnham, died of pancreatic cancer at Christmas 2015, aged 59, after a short and brutal battle with the disease.
So far they have exceeded their initial £3,000 target, with donations continuing to flood in.
Richard told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “None of us have ever done anything like this before – in fact some of the guys actually had to go out and buy bikes just so that they could undertake the challenge.”
“But we have all been training and working really hard and are delighted with how the fundraising has been going so far.”
“Malcolm was a very keen cyclist and we went on many long distance rides together, even after he was diagnosed with cancer, so it only seems fitting that we do this challenge in his memory.”
“We are heading off on 31st July, which would have been Malcolm’s birthday, and I will be riding Malcolm’s bike for the final part of the cycle.”
The team will be following a closely planned out route, staying in hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels and with friends and family along the way.
They are being supported by their friend Kevin Stratton, who will be driving a support vehicle for the duration of the ride.
Kevin will also be undertaking his own personal challenge in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK and will be aiming to run 13 half marathons in 13 days.
Earlier in the year, Richard’s wife Charlotte Campbell completed the London Marathon in memory of her father Malcolm and raised £7,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Pancreatic Cancer is the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate in the single digits. Despite advancements in treating major cancers, there is still no early detection method for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer UK works tirelessly to support those affected by the disease, investing in research, lobbying for greater recognition of pancreatic cancer, and being there for everyone involved in the fight.
To sponsor the JOGTLE 2017 team, visit www.justgiving.com/jogtlecycle17.
Pictured, top, from left to right: Max Collingwood, Simon Walsh and Richard Campbell completing the Wales Velothon as a training ride sporting Pancreatic Cancer UK jerseys. Above, Richard Campbell cycling behind his father-in-law Malcolm Troy, in whose memory the team will be completing the 980-mile challenge
