By Press Release
Two Newport brothers, Matthew and Nicholas Earley, are cycling from Largs in Scotland to East Cowes in aid of three charities which are close to their hearts.
Nicholas, 19, was just 15 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2017. He received chemotherapy but the disease returned and, following more chemotherapy, he was given a stem cell transplant in 2018.
While in hospital in Southampton he decided to cycle from Largs to East Cowes to support the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust based in East Cowes, as well as the two hospital wards, Piam Brown and Teenage Cancer Trust, who looked after him and the family during his treatment.
Nicholas, who works for Wight Mountain in Newport, said: “My older brother Matthew decided he wanted to join me on the ride and so the planning and training began.
“Everything was all set to go ahead in May 2020; however, due to Covid restrictions at the time, the ride had to be postponed to May 2021. But we then had another postponed attempt, so finally, the ride is all set to happen on August 29.
“I’m a keen cyclist but Matthew is not so keen! We’ve been going out training two or three times a week and doing 40 or 50 miles a time, so we’re getting there.”
The ride will see Nicholas and Matthew, 22, a builder for JR Buckett & Sons, take on almost 500 miles of roads in just six days, aiming to finish at the Ellen MacArthur headquarters on September 3. As well as raising funds, they also want to raise awareness for the three charities which have helped them.
To donate, go to Justgiving ‘Largstoeastcowes469’ and the brothers can be followed on their Facebook page: ‘Largs to East Cowes 2021’.
