CHRIS SLATER
ACYCLING fanatic has set off on an epic fundraising trip through North America inspired by his friends’ sick daughter.
Liam Harris, 34, from Romiley, will cycle through three countries and cover more than 2,000 miles on his journey to raise cash for a cancer charity.
He set off from Vancouver in Canada today and will travel down along the west coast of America before eventually finishing in Tijuana in Mexico.
The keen cyclist is hoping to complete his challenge in just three weeks, taking in the sights of the scenic West Coast on the way, passing the Golden Gate Bridge and sunny Los Angeles.
Liam was inspired to take on the challenge after his friends Lynne and Paul Jennings’ 13 year-old daughter, Charlotte was diagnosed with a very rare form of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in January last year.
Charlotte, who underwent a bone marrow transplant operation six months ago, has herself been heavily involved in fundraising for Ward 84 at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where she was treated, and Liam said he wanted to do his bit.
He previously cycled from London to Paris and back as a warm-up and he is hoping his latest effort will raise at least £3,000 – a pound for every kilometre he covers.
Former Hulme Hall Grammar School pupil Liam said: “I was shocked and really saddened when I found out Charlotte had been diagnosed with Leukaemia,
“But I have been amazed by her positivity and how brave she has been dealing with it and fighting it.
“So I wanted to do something to show her and the family that we are right behind her.”
And his efforts have been so appreciated with Charlotte becoming his biggest cheerleader.
She said: “I think Liam is brilliant, he is giving up his own time, pushing himself to the limit and paying all his own expenses to help me raise money for the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.
“Our aim is to ensure that children on the unit, who are in total isolation for over two months while undergoing transplant, are able to keep entertained by having access to DVD players and games consoles to help ease the boredom of being in hospital for a very long time.”
Angela Rowe, community fundraiser for the hospital, said: “As far as I know this is the first time a fundraiser for the charity has cycled from Canada to Mexico, an incredible distance.
“Every penny he raises will make such a difference to some of our poorliest patients.”
To sponsor Liam visit www. justgiving. com/ PacificCoastCycle.