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Newcastle to Leeds cycling fundraiser raises over £16,000 for Children’s Cancer North and Candlelighters charities

16 Jul 2024

Here at Children’s Cancer North we love having the opportunity to meet our amazing charity supporters, and earlier this month (06 July) we had the chance to wave off Gareth Veal, Sue Burchill and 21 other charity fundraisers as they set off on an epic, 105-mile bike ride from St James’ Park (home of Newcastle United) to Elland Road (home of Leeds United) in aid of Children’s Cancer North and Yorkshire-based children’s cancer charity, Candlelighters.

Gareth and Sue are both long-standing cancer researchers – leading research groups at the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer and Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, respectively – and they jointly organised this charity fundraiser to give back to both charities for the funding provided for their important research.

Gareth said: “Some of our central core funding at Newcastle University comes from Children’s Cancer North, and it’s true of organisations up and down the country carrying out cancer research that we’re very reliant on charity funding, with limited government funding available.

“That’s why it’s really important that we, as beneficiaries, show our support for these charities by doing something to help raise much needed funds. We understand that charity funding doesn’t just come in easily; there are a lot of people giving up their time to help generate the money made available.”

Sue said: “I used to work in Newcastle, which is where I first met Gareth. I moved to Leeds to set up the Children’s Cancer Research Labs following a huge fundraising initiative by the Candlelighters. The charity funded some of my research for several years, and so part of doing this challenge was about giving back. Working in a lab you understand how much science costs – it’s expensive. So all the money the charities raise to fund and support the work is incredible.

“Children’s Cancer North and Candlelighters have always been strong supporters of children’s cancer research and of the children and families affected by childhood cancer. Both charities have very similar goals.”

A total of 23 riders took part in the charity bike ride, with a further two completing the challenge on a static bike, and via a route in and around Glasgow. Thankfully the unseasonably wet weather held off and the team enjoyed a dry and bright journey to Leeds.

Gareth said: “We had a mix of riders, with some more experienced than others. Three of our team were relatively inexperienced cyclists but wanted to complete the ride in memory of their close friend, and Children’s Cancer North trustee, Ian Birtwistle. It was great to have Craig, Grant and James on board with this very personal goal.

“We set off from St James’ Park at 9am in the morning and the fastest group completed the journey in around six and a half hours of cycling time. The final riders reached Leeds around 9pm – although some of us did stop off in Leeds city centre to catch some of the England v Switzerland game.

“I think I speak for everyone in saying that we all had a really enjoyable day, with everybody being incredibly positive, collegial, and friendly. Sue’s attention to detail during the planning of the event was really important in making sure everything went smoothly on the day.”

Sue said: “We want to acknowledge and thank the wonderful volunteers who acted as our support team on the day. From people driving technical support vehicles (Tim, Dan and Sean), operating support stations along the route (Clare, Annika, Liz and Fay), and the event medic (Kiki); they were all as important to the challenge as the riders. Thank you also to John who kindly drove some of the riders from Beverley to Newcastle and back. We’re incredibly grateful to all of them for their help on the day.”

Sue and Gareth also wanted to acknowledge and thank commercial sponsors Northern Monk, Sanderson Weatherall, TEi, I’Anson, Pumphrey’s Coffee, and Kafeneon for funding the team cycling jerseys.

Despite some windy weather, a challenging climb to Wike from East Keswick, and one puncture, all 23 riders reached the final destination of Elland Road and have collectively raised more than £16,000 for Children’s Cancer North and Candlelighters.

We’re blown away by what the team has achieved – both physically and in terms of fundraising. Their efforts will go a long way in helping to improve the lives of children with cancer across the North East, Cumbria, and Yorkshire.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the team captains and organisers of the challenge, Gareth Veal and Sue Burchill. Their leadership, dedication, and hard work were instrumental in making the day such a resounding success. We are truly grateful for their ongoing support.

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Newcastle to Leeds cycling fundraiser raises over £16,000 for Children’s Cancer North and Candlelighters charities

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