Tony Audenshaw and The Wheelpackers

RideLondon–Essex 100 is fast approaching, as new and experienced cyclists gear up for an exciting day of fundraising. Amongst the 130 riders that are taking part to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK are ‘The Wheelpackers’, a team made up of Emmerdale actor Tony Audenshaw and his posse of production personnel and friends.

On Sunday 29 May each cyclist will ride their way from Victoria Embankment in central London, into Essex via the historic Epping Forest, before joining a section of the 2014 Stage Three Tour de France route and heading back into the capital to finish at Tower Bridge. An energy-sapping 100-mile route.

The Wheelpackers are riding in memory of Tony’s late wife, Ruth, who tragically passed died from pancreatic cancer in 2017, at just 43 years old. They aim to raise £5,000 towards our world class-research to make early diagnosis, and make new, more effective treatments a reality for everyone affected by the deadliest common cancer.

Hannah Hamilton-Skerritt Senior Supporter Acquisition & Engagement Manager at Pancreatic Cancer UK said: “We are extremely grateful to Tony and The Wheelpackers for taking on RideLondon-Essex 100 on behalf of Pancreatic Cancer UK. We know they have been training hard to complete this demanding 100-mile ride in honour of Ruth and her adventurous spirit. We’re right behind them, and all of our amazing cyclists who are saddling up to support our work.

“Just seven percent of people live for five years after they are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the disease’s low survival statistics have remained unchanged for 50 years due to decades of underfunding. Every mile cycled will help to campaign for change and transform the future for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.”

You can donate and help ‘The Wheel Packers’ reach their target by following this link: https://ridelondon.enthuse.com/pf/wheelpackers-679c5