Cancer survivor takes on 100-mile ride

A grandfather who survived bowel cancer is counting on pedal power to boost charity coffers.
Mike Walsh, charity cyclistMike Walsh, charity cyclist
Mike Walsh, charity cyclist

Mike Walsh, 67, of New Road, Matlock is gearing up for a 100-mile sponsored cycle ride through London and the Surrey countryside.

He will raise money for Beating Bowel Cancer by participating in the PrudentialRideLondon over a route made famous by made famous by the world’s top cyclists in the 2012 London Olympics.

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Retired IT consultant Mike has managed to persuade three of his siblings to ride in aid of the charity too.

He said: “I got really carried away and persuaded my brothers Mark and Gerard, and my sister Mary to go in for the event too. They were a bit reticent at first.”

Mike, a father of six, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011, but following surgery he got back on his bike in 2012, riding up and down the Peak District hills. He said: “While I was going through treatment, I got talking to someone on the Beating Bowel Cancer Forum who rode bikes and that inspired me to get on my bike again.”

“Cycling takes my mind off things, and lifts my spirit. As everyone knows, exercise is a major plank in keeping cancer away, and cycling is my exercise of choice.”

Mike is training hard by riding two to three times a week and has so far managed to achieve 50 miles.

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