RideLondon 2022: Tony and the team ride towards breakthroughs
Last weekend, 130 amazing team Pancreatic Cancer UK riders, including Emmerdale star Tony Audenshaw and our very own Chief Executive Diana, took on RideLondon, ‘the world’s greatest celebration of cycling’ to raise an incredible £83,037 so far!
The team joined 25,000 cyclists on brand new routes of 100, 60, or 30 miles, across London and Essex. Setting off from Victoria Embankment, riders taking on the iconic 100-mile distance, which has been part of RideLondon since it was first held in 2013, traversed some of Essex’s most picturesque towns and villages.
Gliding through the historic Epping Forest, Ongar, Fyfield, the Roding and Great Dunmow, the riders then joined a section of the 2014 Stage Three Tour de France route before being met with crowds and applause at Tower Bridge.
Amongst them was Emmerdale star Tony Audenshaw and his posse The Wheelpackers who rode in memory of Tony’s late wife Ruth, tragically lost to pancreatic cancer in 2017 at just 47 years old.
Tony recently appeared on This Morning to raise the profile of the cause, speaking candidly about the need to raise vital funds and awareness of this devastating disease:
Over half of people die within three months of diagnosis, and it's been that way since the 70s. It's really been left behind with regard to funding.
He also spoke of his late wife’s love of cycling, which prevailed throughout her illness and helped her get through treatment:
Ruth was a really fit person. She ran, and she loved cycling. It was a case of not being stuck in the hospital or going for appointments all the time. Getting out on that bike and feeling the wind in her hair was just brilliant.
The team were cheered on by proud volunteers and staff throughout the day and were met with fantastic encouragement from the team after what was described as an awesome ride. Speaking of the experience, our Chief Executive Diana said:
I could not be prouder of all our fearless riders, the wonderful volunteer cheerers and the staff team who helped make today seamless and very special for everyone on the Pancreatic Cancer UK RideLondon team. Utterly amazing!
We can’t thank everyone who participated enough for their fantastic efforts in the build up to and on the day.