The Friday Boys cycle 45 miles for Pancreatic Cancer UK
At the end of this month, the Friday Boys are challenging themselves to cycle 45 miles through the Cotswold countryside for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
On 29 July, an inspiring group of friends coined the Friday Boys will cycle 45 miles to raise vital funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK.
The group cycle together most Fridays for social reasons and a shared love of cycling. Initially, it started around fourteen years ago, with a few local Hampshire-based friends getting together. However, the group has since grown as new friends joined and now comprises of twelve riders. The group range from youthful early 60s to one 90-year-old who is still showing many the way!
One thing that many in the group have in common is that they have experienced and survived different forms of cancer, from bladder to bowel cancer and prostate to pancreatic cancer. Throughout different riders’ illnesses there has always been strong support from within the group, which has proven to be a key driving force in the recovery process.
The support and encouragement that I had from the boys throughout my treatment was incredible and enabled me to set personal targets throughout.
Six years ago, one member of the group, Frank Johns, was diagnosed with inoperable terminal pancreatic cancer. However, the Friday Boys’ unstinting support and encouragement during this time means he’s still out on his bike most Fridays. Frank added, “during the darkest days of my initial treatment and prognosis one thing in my favour was my overall fitness for a 69-year-old and a very positive attitude about my cancer”.
“The support and encouragement that I had from the boys throughout my treatment was incredible and enabled me to set personal targets throughout, resulting in me being able to start indoor training within six months and riding on the open road a year after treatment starting.” It was through this that many members of the group started fundraising for charities linked to cancer research and support.
Over the years, members of the group have raised more than £50,000 for many charitable causes, including Pancreatic Cancer UK.
The Cotswold Challenge, created by founding member John Jack, who moved from Hampshire to Burford three years ago, is going to be a special fundraiser for Pancreatic Cancer UK with all riders participating. The team are taking on a challenging 45-mile route through the Cotswold countryside, as well as individual fundraising in support of the charity.
How you can help
If you’d like to support the inspiring Friday Boys with their amazing challenge, please visit Frank’s JustGiving page. They are hoping to raise an invaluable £10,000 to support those affected by pancreatic cancer now and long into the future. Thank you for your kind support.