In February
2008 Paul was diagnosed with bowel cancer. His treatment lasted till
the end of January 2009 and involved radiotherapy, chemotherapy, two
operations and almost three weeks in hospital.
Approximately 35,000 people present with bowel (colorectal) cancer each
year – this represents about one in eight new cancer cases in
the UK. It is the second most common cause of cancer death, claiming
about 45 lives every single day. Fortunately, Paul was not one of these.
If he had gone through this twenty years ago the outcome could have
been dramatically different. Even ten years ago the operation would
have caused life changing effects. However, thanks to a great medical
team and fantastic inroads in medical science he has made a great recovery
and is slowly starting to get fit. He started cycling with Laurence
and finally found an exercise that he enjoyed.
One night, Paul, Laurence and Chris (as well as Natalie, Cordelia and
Claire) were out to dinner for dinner when, as the wine flowed and the
idea of a sponsored cycle ride came up. The London to Cambridge Bike
Ride organised by Breakthrough Breast Cancer was identified and the
team registered. Soon Robert and Garry volunteered to ride as well and
suddenly we had the Infamous Five.
Breakthrough does some amazing work fighting breast cancer through their
pioneering breast cancer research, campaigning and educational work.
Ultimately they help the 46,000 women and 300 men who are diagnosed
with this disease every year in the UK. They kindly agreed that
we could also raise money for Bowel & Cancer Research. Not only
does the charity fund pioneering research into causes and treatment
of bowel cancer, but also develops new approaches to surgery to improve
the quality of life of patients who have suffered cancer and other problems
of the pelvic area.
So, Paul, Laurence, Chris, Robert and Garry are going to cycle from
London to Cambridge on 26 July. It is around 60 miles and for many of
the team it is about 59 miles further than they have ever cycled before.
We would like you to help us support these two worthwhile charities
- Breakthrough
Breast Cancer and Bowel
& Cancer Research. We have set up Just About Giving websites
for each charity and you can access them through the links. This is
an easy and tax efficient way of giving. However, if you would prefer
to give in some other way then please contact one of us with your pledge.
So, the question is, will you support Breasts
or Bottoms?
Many thanks
Paul, Chris, Garry, Laurence and Rob
aka The Infamous Five.
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