PEDAL POWER ! GP cycling 5k a day to complete a Race for Life at home
A COVENTRY GP is raising money for Cancer Research by completing the Race for Life at home.
Dr Jim Mcmorran, from Kenyon Medical Centre, in Willenhall, has joined a team of GPS from around the country covering 5k every day in July to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Last year he became one of the first men to take part in the 5k Race for Life after it switched from a women-only event for the first time in its 27-year history.
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, 400 Cancer Research UK events have been cancelled, including the Race for Life at the University of Warwick, in Coventry.
Dr Mcmorran is unable to run the race due to injury, but will be cycling 5k every day in his kitchen on his turbo trainer.
He said: “I have an achilles injury so I can’t run right now but that won’t stop me. I’ve set up my turbo trainer in the kitchen and I’ve been taking part in organised rides with people from around the world to get in practice.”
The charity is urging people to sign up for the Race for Life at Home, and complete a 5k challenge every day. Dr Mcmorran is one of 13 Strategy Lead GPS funded by Cancer Research UK taking part - together they have raised over £4,000.
Dr Mcmorran added: “Joining the GP Race team has encouraged me to use the bike every day which is great because we all know that exercise reduces your risk of cancer and improves mental wellbeing. This is really important after months of being stuck at home in quarantine.
“I was really pleased when Race for Life opened up to men and I had planned to take part again this year. Even though the events are now cancelled, I’m pleased that I can still do my bit for Cancer Research UK during a time when it’s fundraising efforts have been so badly hit.
“Coming out of lockdown, I feel the charity’s work will be more important than ever. I’m particularly concerned about the number of patients who are going to face a late cancer diagnosis when treatment might be more challenging and all the people who haven’t been able to attend screening appointments for the past few months.”
Every year around 31,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands. But the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK’S spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “At a time when it felt like everything has been at a standstill, there is one thing that hasn’t stopped, cancer.
“Our priority as a charity is ensuring that people affected by cancer are getting the support they need right now.
“From a run or 5K walk around the garden to limbo in the living room or a bike ride, there is no wrong way to Race for Life at Home. With no entry fee, people might choose to twerk, limbo, star jump, squat, skip, dance, or come up with their own novel way of taking part and share it with friends. The message is very much that ‘while we might be apart, we’re doing this together.’
“There is no wrong way to get involved and join our community. Whatever people decide to do, we are immensely grateful for the support, now more than ever.”
To sponsor Dr Mcmorran visit: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk. org/team/cruk-gps-5k-around-theuk