By Isle of Wight Observer
A team of cyclists have tackled an annual coastal cycle challenge to help fund research into brain tumours.
More than 50 riders participated in the Brain Tumour Research Randonnée, which took place on the Isle of Wight, on Sunday, July 21. This year, the group raised more than £2,700 for the charity Brain Tumour Research, by circumnavigating the island, starting and finishing at Fishbourne.
The 68-mile Randonnée was organised by Simon Tier, a 51-year-old project manager from Fareham, who has lost several friends to brain tumours. Simon is a champion fundraiser for the charity and has raised more than £50,000.
Simon said: “It was fantastic to see so many cyclists at the Brain Tumour Research Randonnée and I was grateful to them for helping me to raise such a brilliant amount. It just goes to show what you can achieve when you put your mind to it and I’m already looking forward to next year’s Randonnée.
“The riders set off from Fishbourne at 9am, before heading around the island, receiving refreshments at Bembridge, Chale and Wellow, and finishing back at the start. The scenery was stunning and the weather just perfect.
“I’ve been fundraising for Brain Tumour Research for several years and I’m passionate about helping to raise vital funds and awareness for this dreadful disease, which kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.”
Also taking on the challenge was Allison Budge, a GP from Horndean, Hampshire. Allison, aged 52, said: “I’ve witnessed several patients of mine affected by brain tumours and have sadly lost friends and family members to the disease. I know Simon through my cycling club and the Brain Tumour Research Randonnée seemed like the ideal opportunity to fundraise and raise awareness.”
Michael Thelwall, head of community fundraising for Brain Tumour Research, said: “We congratulate Simon and his team for completing another successful Randonnée around the Isle of Wight and we hope they inspire others to take on a cycling challenge for Brain Tumour Research. Less than 20% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50% across all cancers. We cannot allow this devastating situation to continue.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK, including its centre at the University of Portsmouth. It also campaigns for the Government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure. The charity is calling for an annual spend of £35m in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia and is also campaigning for greater repurposing of drugs.
To donate to Brain Tumour Research go to: https://www.braintumourresearch.org/donation/donate-now
