North West Cancer Research is searching for cycling enthusiasts or people looking for a fitness challenge to sign up to its Cycle of Hope to support life-saving cancer research.
Now in its second year, Cycle of Hope covers 300 miles over four days, taking participants on a scenic route over three countries.
Sponsored by Rutherford Cancer Centres who operate a national network of cancer centres, this year’s event starts on 4 July in Liverpool and will finish on 7 July in Dublin, Ireland.
The route will see the peloton of cyclists embark from the city’s iconic Pier Head, where they will then take a ferry across the Mersey to the Wirral before travelling to North Wales.
Taking in the historic towns and countryside of Wales, the cyclists will journey through nature reserves, tranquil country lanes and Welsh scenery in Connah’s Quay, Newtown, Newcastle Emlyn and Fishguard.
To complete the final leg of the adventure, the team will cross the Irish sea to County Wexford, where they will cycle north, passing through Clahoman, Shillelaghs and Donard ready for celebrations at the iconic Phoenix Park in Dublin.
Money raised will help North West Cancer Research support world-class research across the region and last year’s participants helped raise £35,000.
In 2018 the charity pledged £3,000,000 of funding to support innovative research at centres in Lancaster University, University of Liverpool and Bangor University.
Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “After the success of last year’s Cycle of Hope, we’ve decided to bring it back again this year making it a key annual fundraising event for the charity.
“We’ve made some exciting changes to the route and we take in some new places such as Newcastle Emlyn and Enniscorthy. The course is suitable for people of all cycling abilities, from novices to seasoned riders and it promises to be both challenging and rewarding.
“Last year’s cyclists were phenomenal and helped raise much needed funds to support cancer research here in the North West. We hope to see some retuning faces this year and look forward to welcoming new riders, making this year’s event even bigger and better than before.”
Ron Russell, from sponsor Rutherford Cancer Centres, said: “This will be the second consecutive year we have supported North West Cancer Research’s Cycle of Hope event.
“North West Cancer Research is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for life-saving research in the UK, a cause that resonates closely with our work. As well as supporting innovative cancer research, Cycle of Hope is also encouraging health and wellbeing in the community which is something very important to us at Rutherford.”
Entry for Cycle of Hope is now open and costs £120 per person. North West Cancer Research will provide continued support including a training plan and fundraising advice in preparation for the event. All money raised will contribute to further funding for life-saving research across the region.
