Pedal power to help fight cancer
ORMSKIRK cyclists are wanted to help stop cancer in its tracks.
Leading local charity North West Cancer Research is challenging thrill seekers from Southport to cycle almost 300 miles in the fundraising adventure of a lifetime.
Cycle of Hope will mark the charity’s 70th anniversary and see fundraisers cycle 70 miles a day over four days to raise money for life saving cancer research in Merseyside and the North West.
Taking place between July 11 and 14, the challenge starts at Lancaster University where North West Cancer Research funds innovative research.
Challengers will stop in Liverpool, then on to Bangor, where the charity also operates, before crossing the finish line in Dublin on July 14.
Money raised by the riders will be donated to North West Cancer Research which is currently investing in cancer research projects worth £7.m at the University of Liverpool. This includes £1m of funding to sustain world-class research at the North West Cancer Research Centre at the university until 2020, as part of its commitment to fund research which will help tackle rising cancer rates in the region.
Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “What better way to mark our 70th anniversary than a 70-mile-a-day cycling adventure across the UK and Ireland?
“This unique event will be both challenging and rewarding, raising invaluable funds to help fight against cancer. Cancer is one of the biggest killers in Merseyside and cancer rates in the region are continuing to rise, which is why over the last 70 years we have committed to funding the best quality research in the North West.
The charity will offer participants continued support with training and fundraising, helping cycling newcomers and enthusiasts prepare in the countdown to July 11.
Alastair added: “We rely solely on public donations and without the help of our supporters we would not be able to continue to support the lifesaving research which is being carried out on our doorstep today.
“We look forward to seeing our fundraisers from Liverpool take their positions on the start line in July for this unique 300mile challenge.”
Registration for Cycle of Hope is now open via www.nwcr.org/events and registration costs £120 per person.