Cyclist’s tribute to tragic sister
Chapelton man takes part in 100-mile challenge
A Chapelton man who has faced triple heartbreak from the effects of cancer undertook a gruelling charity cycle to raise funds to fight the killer disease.
Jeremy Osborne joined a team of 36 health professionals to take part in the Prudential Ridelondon to Surrey 100mile cycle challenge last Sunday.
The 56-year-old completed the feat in memory of his sister Melanie, who died in 2018 from breast cancer.
But while Melanie was undergoing severe rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in her own battle against the disease the family were dealt another tragic blow when their mother passed away from pancreatic cancer.
“That was a horrendous time for the family,” said father-of-seven Jeremy.
“Although she was going through her own life-threatening crisis, it was extra tough for Melanie to watch what was happening to our mum.”
And just when Jeremy thought things couldn’t possibly get any worse he received further bombshell news earlier this year when his wife, Michele, was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.
“We couldn’t believe it. After what we had already been through this was really mind-numbing news to have to deal with,” said Jeremy, who is a client director for a large company.
“We have had to start all over again with Michele now going through the tortuous chemotherapy and radiotherapy regime.
“But, thankfully, the latest diagnosis shows that her condition has stabilised.”
Jeremy decided to cycle the 100-mile route to raise money for Prevent Breast Cancer, which has gathered more than £20,000, for the charity, to date.
Also taking part in the cycle ride is Melanie’s husband, Alan and her daughter Charlotte.
The couple had been long-term partners and decided to get married in Gibraltar in April 2018.
They spent a happy time on honeymoon in Morocco but on their return, Melanie’s cancer had spread dramatically and she died in May aged 58.
The team taking on the challenge calls itself Miles for Melanie and comprises anaesthetists, surgeons and radiologists from Manchester University Hospitals Foundation Trust who were Melanie’s workmates when she was a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, .
Jeremy said: “My sister’s colleagues chose to take part in this event as a way of creating a legacy for her. She was such a big figure that they wanted to do something to honour her memory, and I thought I’d join them and be part of that effort. Cancer has had a significant impact on my life, and I have seen firsthand the devastation that it causes.
“The work that Prevent Breast Cancer does is vital, and I am glad to have taken part in something that will take us one step closer to creating a future free from the disease.”
Melanie and close friend and colleague, Sarah Wheatly, knew each other for almost 30 years, having trained as anaesthetists together.
Following Melanie’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2011, Sarah was also diagnosed in 2013, undergoing the same surgery and initial treatment.
She also took part in the 100-mile bike ride in memory of Melanie.
Speaking about the event Jeremy said: “The first 41 miles were really lovely through London streets and out towards Surrey in great weather and cycling with a group who pulled me along. “
Jeremy did run into a few problems along the way however he didn’t let that hold him back.
He added: “I lost a lot of time due to external factors but the official time taken was seven and a half hours. It was emotional to think that I have just completed 100 miles in the saddle.”
To donate to Miles for Melanie, visit Virgin Money Giving Limited.