AN INSPIRATIONAL cancer doctor and scientist who has survived the disease himself is getting on his bike for Cancer Research UK, and is asking others to do the same.
Professor Richard Adams, Honorary Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Cardiff University and Velindre Cancer Centre, has explained why he is calling on people of all ages and abilities to sign up for the charity’s Cycle 300 challenge.
Participants can choose how, when and where to clock up 300 miles on a bike in September to raise money for life-saving research as the charity goes through its most challenging financial period due to the coronavirus pandemic.
After noticing a swelling in his testicle and receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2013, Professor Adams knows how it feels to be given a cancer diagnosis and to be successfully treated thanks to advances in life-saving research.
“I know that being diagnosed with cancer has the ability to suddenly take over everything else,” he said.
“I was treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The treatment made me feel nauseous and absolutely exhausted. I was off work for 12 weeks and my wife Ness, who also works as a cancer researcher, and our three boys looked after me.
“Through the hard work of fundraisers and researchers I constantly see research improving outcomes for patients – from better surgery, new drugs and new therapies to better quality of aftercare.
“Without research, I know that my cancer wouldn’t have been cured. And neither would the cancer of many others, including my patients, that’s why I’m so proud to support Cycle 300."
There are many ways for fundraisers to hit the 300-mile mark and maintain social distancing.
Cassandra Miles, Cancer Research spokeswoman for Wales, said: “We are very grateful to Professor Adams for his support and hope it will start a chain-reaction, sparking the interest among cyclists of all ages and abilities.
“It is a great fundraising challenge because you can choose how, when and where to do it, to fit in with your lifestyle and commitments.
“COVID-19 put so much of our research on pause and the cancellation of fundraising events, as well as the temporary closure of our Cancer Research UK shops, has left the charity facing an income crisis where every day and every pound counts.
“With around 19,500 people diagnosed with cancer each year in Wales, we will never stop striving to create better treatments. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we are encouraging as many people as possible to sign up to Cycle 300 and use pedal power to help research move forward.”
To sign up now for a free fundraising pack visit www.cruk.org/cycle300.
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