Holly triumphs again as she finishes epic 600-mile ride
GRUELLING EFFORT TO THANK CHARITY WHICH HELPED HER ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY AFTER CANCER
A CANCER survivor from Leicestershire has raised more than £1,000 tackling an epic 600-mile cycle challenge for the charity which helped her on the road to recovery following treatment.
Holly Hudson, aged 21, of Tilton on the Hill, took part in the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust’s Largs to Cowes bike ride across eight days last month, cycling from the west of Scotland to England’s south coast.
Holly, a creative advertising student at Lincoln University, first sailed with the Trust at the age of 13 following treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and has since become a volunteer to support its work with young people.
Starting out on a rainy day in North Ayrshire, Holly was one of nine riders to tackle the full route between the Trust’s bases in Largs and Cowes, which saw the team cycling 75-80 miles a day.
On completing the challenge in Cowes, Holly said: “It’s been incredible and I’ve met so many amazing people along the way.
“The trust holds a huge place in my heart so to be able to do this and help other young people get involved in the Trust means a lot.”
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust inspires young people aged
For me the best part was completing it, I didn’t think I was going to on day one!
eight to 24 to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.
For many young people, picking up where they left off before their diagnosis is not possible. So, when treatment ends, the Trust’s work begins.
Through its sailing and outdoor activities, young people meet others who have had similar experiences often for the first time – rediscover independence away from home, experience an increased sense of purpose and self-worth, and begin to realise what they are capable of again. Most importantly, they stop feeling like the “only one”.
The Largs to Cowes challenge has so far raised more than £21,000 for the Trust.
Riders cycled through Scotland, Cumbria, Yorkshire and Cheshire, then on to Ironbridge, Somerset and Wiltshire to the south coast and Cowes, where they were welcomed by Dame Ellen.
The picturesque but demanding route between the Trust’s bases
Holly Hudson
encompassed a number of endurance climbs, including the worldrenowned Fleet Moss ascent in the Yorkshire Dales.
Holly said: “It was definitely harder than I expected. Not being a cyclist before, I knew it was going to be hard, but that’s why I did it.
“For me the best part was completing it, I didn’t think I was going to on day one!
“What kept me motivated was knowing I was going to help people like me – and the finish was always going to be there, it just took time to get there and lots of emotions along the way.
“I feel overwhelmed by the amount we’ve raised.”
Holly is aiming to raise £1,200 for the Trust from her incredible Largs to Cowes achievement.
As of yesterday her online fundraiser stood at £1,005. To donate, search for “Holly Hudson” – and use quote marks for ease – at: