A team of cyclists from Burnham-On-Sea has completed the famous John O’Groats to Land’s End cycle challenge to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Richard Campbell, Simon Walsh, Jamie Saunders – all from Burnham-On-Sea – joined friends Max Collingwood and Ben Bowley from North Petherton for the 980 mile cycle, which they completed on Saturday (August 12th).
The team was 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.
The five cyclists, along with their support vehicle driver Kevin (who ran 13 half marathons in 13 days during the ride), have now raised a fantastic £8,365 and the figure is still rising. It means they have well and truly smashed their original target of raising £3,000!
Richard Campbell, who completed the ride by poignantly cycling over the line on Malcolm’s bike in his memory, told Burmnham-on-Sea.com: “The last 13 days have been incredible.”
“We have all agreed that this has been the hardest, longest, funniest and most rewarding trip ever.”
“The weather definitely wasn’t on our side – in fact we only had two days where we didn’t have any rain – and there were moments where we faced real challenges.”
“But we never thought it would be easy, and it has been totally worth it to raise such a huge amount of money for Pancreatic Cancer UK.”
He added: “We were completely overwhelmed when we reached Land’s End, where so many of our friends and families had turned up to cheer us over the finish line.”
“The incredible support we had during the entire ride, not just from our friends and families but from total strangers we met along the way, really spurred us on.”
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored us – the total we’ve managed to raise is completely beyond what we ever imagined we’d be able to get.”
“We hope that it goes towards making a real difference to the lives of those affected by pancreatic cancer.”
Malcolm was a very keen cyclist and went on many long distance rides, even after he was diagnosed with cancer, so it was fitting that the group headed off on 31st July, which would have been Malcolm’s birthday.
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 team, visit www.justgiving.com/jogtlecycle17.
Pictured: Top, the jubliant team at Land’s End on Saturday. Above, Richard Campbell cycling behind his father-in-law Malcolm Troy, in whose memory the team have completed the 980-mile challenge
