Cyclists Cover 4,000 Miles to Raise Funds for North West Cancer Research

The cyclists took part in the inaugural Cycle of Hope fundraiser for the charity which supports life-saving research in North Wales and across the north west of England as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations.

David Pugh from Caernarfon, was just one of the 14 cyclists who completed the challenge. The 66-year-old decided to take part in the cross-country adventure after he became aware of the funding that North West Cancer Research provides to nearby Bangor University.

As a biking fan, David wanted to set himself a real challenge to raise money for the charity so signed himself up to the course which is six-times longer than any route he’s previously cycled. The retired veterinary surgeon completed the North Wales Tour de Môn and L’Etape events five years ago.

To prepare for the 300-mile course, David put in more than 1,000 miles of training.

He said: “I first became aware of North West Cancer Research when I saw an article in the local paper looking for fundraising cyclists. After doing some research into the charity, I came across the life-saving work they do at Bangor University and knew I had to sign up.

“I’m by no-means an experienced cyclist but having taken part in a number of North Wales based cycle events over the years, I wanted to put the little experience I have to good use and raise money for this vital charity.

“Everyone who took part in the Cycle of Hope really supported each other which made it very enjoyable.

“Although the journey did get tough at times, I had my wife Nia, Daughter Lisa and Grandson’s Celt and Cynan waiting for me as we finished the second leg in

Bangor which really boosted my morale. To top it all off, I finished the race in Dublin with a brand-new addition to the family as Non, my son Sion’s wife gave birth to my grandson Guto – so it’s safe to say it’s been a challenge to remember!”.”

David has raised £4,000 so far through his JustGiving page, as well as various other fundraising activities, including auctioning off a signed jersey from Chris Froome. All money raised by David and the other cyclists will be donated to North West Cancer Research and will support life-saving cancer research at Bangor University.

The charity is currently investing £2.3million into research at Bangor University’s North West Cancer Research Institute, helping it become known as a worldwide centre of excellence for cancer research.

The inaugural Cycle of Hope event started on Wednesday 11 July and took four days to complete. The routes took cyclists on a tour of the locations where North West Cancer Research has supported innovative research, including Liverpool and Lancaster, before crossing the finish line in Ireland’s historic capital city, Dublin on 14 July.

Cycle of Hope is sponsored by Rutherford Cancer Centres who operate a national network of cancer centres, and international manufacturing firm PSL who provide innovative process solutions to the pharmaceutical industry.

Alastair Richards, CEO at North West Cancer Research, said: “Each and every one of the cyclists were phenomenal in their dedication to training and fundraising and their determination to finish the course was fantastic to see. On behalf of everyone at North West Cancer Research I would like to thank them for their efforts. They all had their own personal reasons for partaking and I think they all did their selves proud.”

The four-day charity event, Cycle of Hope, will return in 2019 on the 4 – 7 July. Challengers can now sign up for the event, with a number of places already filled. To find out more about next year’s event call Cara on 0151 709 2919 or [email protected] or visit the Cycle of Hope event page here. 

< Go Back