Team FC's 50 Mile Cycle
A group of friends from across the North West have taken on a 50 mile cycle in aid of life-saving cancer research projects.
Tony, Simon, Chris and Criss took it upon themselves to band together and organise their own cycle route when the event they had originally signed up for was cancelled.
The group started at Albert Dock in Liverpool before heading toward Everton FC’s Goodison Park, through Aintree Racecourse and on to Southport through the fields of Ormskirk.
For the final stretch in Southport, they took in the sights along the prom before stopping for a quick lunch.
The sun joined the group for their jaunt back to Liverpool, where they kept to the coastal path through Formby and Crosby, taking in the sights of the Anthony Gormley iron men statues. They were greeted by friends and family back at Albert Dock, completing their 50 miles and celebrating with a pint.
The group originally decided to take on the Liverpool Chester bike ride together to commemorate the hospitals at which Tony had received cancer treatment and eventually the all clear. Unfortunately, in the weeks leading up to their new cycling plan, Tony had been told his cancer was back.
Tony was determined more than ever that the news wasn’t going to beat him and kept fit and positive, completing the ride with great enthusiasm. Along with his friends they have raised a brilliant £2,500.
Tony said: “After our original ride was cancelled, we decided we wanted to stay in Merseyside and start from a similar location, and we had to do the full 50 miles, as that’s what we had told everyone we were doing!
“The route was fabulous, out through the countryside and back along the coast. Chris, being an Ormskirk local, became our tour guide and Simon was the designated map reader – we only took a few minor detours and missed turns! There were some issues navigating over tree roots and around bushes. The guys thought it was hilarious when I came a cropper slipping on a muddy section of a canal towpath!
“I was determined to get through this cycle with a smile on my face. I think the main image people have of cancer sufferers is of misery and pain, but without a positive and optimistic mindset, I couldn’t get through it. The bike ride and raising money gave me a focus instead of my own cancer.
“I’m currently sitting in the chemo ward having my treatment and the laughter and joking going on really belies the idea of cancer being miserable. The nurses, staff and patients all raise the mood and that’s why we have the best NHS care and treatment - it’s a good reason to raise money and help North West Cancer Research find better treatments.”