My Story

Since being diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer in my liver four years ago, I have cycled over 4000 miles. In August 2021 I bought an electric Brompton for nipping about Cambridge. I regularly cycle to hospital for treatment, 7 ½ miles return, much quicker than by car. Its longest trip was to London by train, visiting Southwark and St Paul’s cathedrals and returning via residential streets in Islington, (where I got lost in drenching rain), North London parks were easier and St Albans (overnight) to Cambridge (75 miles in total).

I joined Cambridge Cycling Touring Club in January 2022 and regularly ride 25-30 miles with this group. I am most grateful for their friendship and support which has boosted my confidence to cycle alone. A second ebike with full size wheels makes longer trips more comfortable. I have visited all the East Anglian cathedrals, Peterborough to Ely (via Ramsey where I grew up), Norwich, Bury St Edmunds and Chelmsford. From there, crossing the Thames via Tilbury Gravesend ferry I went on to Rochester and Canterbury returning home by train in just over two hours. I have completed two further “cathedral triangles” Bristol, Wells, Salisbury, solo, based at a campsite near Frome, and Portsmouth, Chichester, Winchester with my partner Linda (staying at a Premier Inn).  Also Three Choirs: Hereford, Worcester, Gloucester with my friend Philip. This triangle not quite complete because of a split tyre! 19/42 Anglican cathedrals visited so far. A complete log of my cathedral tours is available here. https://www.komoot.com/user/2473164170349?ref=imk-qr

Linda and I have been on three extended bike tours, traversing Dorset in 2022 (hilly, but a good bonding exercise) and two trips to Brittany in ’23 and ’24 completing about 300 miles in a fortnight’s cycling in both years.

Linda lives in Tiverton, Devon and this spring I’m planning to cycle down from Cambridge, 250 miles in 5 days via Milton Keynes, Witney,  Chippenham and Glastonbury. Premier Inns are a boon for cyclists as they allow you to take a bike into your room, ideal for overnight charging. The range of my ebike is about 50 miles in the flat landscape around Cambridge. Add in a few hills and light luggage and it’s nearer 30 so I aim to stop at a friendly pub/café to recharge over lunch. Only 6/250 miles are on “busy roads”(B roads are classed as such) using the wonderful cycle travel app, https://cycle.travel/ to plan routes on country lanes and cycle paths. “Life’s too short to cycle on busy roads”.

I am fundraising for Maggie's as they are a fantastic charity, set up to support people and families living with cancer. They offer practical and emotional support for anyone with any type of cancer, at any stage, for free. They receive no government funds and rely on funds raised by their supporters.  In July 2023 I cycled a total of 162 miles to raise money for Maggies cancer care charity and this year I’m seeking sponsorship for my upcoming trip, planned for 14-18 July