Saturday 22nd
May 2021
On Your Bike! 100 Miles In One Day To Thank The NHS
A team of cyclists is planning to ride more than 100 miles in one day and visit six South West hospitals to say thanks to the NHS, as the country continues to edge out of coronavirus lockdown.
The riders will stop at hospitals in Kingsbridge, Tavistock, Launceston, Liskeard and Saltash before ending their ride at Derriford in Plymouth.
The event organiser is leading colorectal surgeon Mark Coleman, who is chairman of the Bowel Cancer West charity (BCW).
He said: “The NHS has been through unimaginable times over the last year. All our hospitals and health professionals have shown remarkable resilience in dealing with the effects of the Covid pandemic.
“We at BCW want to show our immense gratitude to all who have played a role. After the pandemic we also want to make sure our patients with bowel cancer get prompt and effective care.”
On Tuesday 15th June a small group of health care professionals and friends of BCW will cycle from Derriford to community hospitals in Devon and Cornwall - a ride of 110 miles to give a big thanks to all concerned in our region.”
Each year more than 40,000 men and women are diagnosed with bowel cancer. It is the UK’s second highest cause of cancer mortality, largely because people aren’t aware of or will ignore symptoms, or they remain too shy to seek advice.
BCW chief executive Jon Gripton said: “Bowel Cancer West was founded to improve survival rates of people with bowel cancer in the south west.
"Currently, one in three people in the west country know someone with bowel cancer and the disease has a dangerously low profile. Now that the pandemic pressure is off the NHS, it’s vital people come forward if they have health concerns.”
People can support the BCW Cycle Ride of Thanks at: www.justgiving.com/bowelcancerwest
