100 Miles To Beat Blood Cancer

Acton man takes to his bike to raise funds

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Jake and his dad Paul Higham

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Goldsmith Avenue resident, Paul Higham, has taken part in this year’s London Bikeathon, the capital’s largest charity cycle event, to add to the £5,250 he has already raised for blood cancer charity,Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, a charity incredibly close to his heart.

The 62-year-old challenged himself to the gruelling 100-mile route on Sunday 15 September, after his son Jake, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in 2010, aged just 20.

Jake underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, including radiotherapy on his brain, and treatment was going well until, in January 2011, he relapsed. He required a stem cell transplant to save his life. Despite having to endure serious complications and side effects in the aftermath of the transplant, Jake is doing well and is now a fully qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer. He is currently working part-time at Ealing’s Eden Fitness.

Paul says: “The nightmare that engulfed him for so long, and the dreadful pain he endured, means I can do nothing less than continue to ride against this truly awful disease. We must find a cure. Because until we do, families will continue to hear those shocking words, "You have blood cancer”.
“In 2010 and 2011, I cycled the 52-mile London Bikeathon, and last year I upped the ante and took on the 75-mile Box Hill Endurance Challenge, raising £5,776 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. This year I’m going further to try to raise another £1,250 to reach the £7,000 total mark.”

Now in its 17th year, the London Bikeathon starts and finishes in the stunningly beautiful grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and offers something for everyone. Cyclists can choose from a cycling marathon of 26 miles, 52 miles, and for the first time this year, an extremely challenging, epic 100-mile bike route for those who really want to step up a gear.

To support Paul and help beat blood cancer, please visit www.justgiving.com/PaulHigham4 or text JMGH55 and the amount to 70070.

 

 

 

 

 

July 10th 2013