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Cancer Survivor Fuels Young Lives with Bikes
13 Apr
Summary
- Charity provides new bikes and adaptive trikes to children with cancer.
- Over 10,000 bikes delivered across the UK in 21 years.
- Founder's personal cancer journey inspired the Cyclists Fighting Cancer charity.
Mike Grisenthwaite, a former triathlete, established the charity Cyclists Fighting Cancer in 2005 following his own five-year battle with blood cancer, diagnosed in 2000. During a period of isolation, he conceived the idea of using cycling to support others facing similar illnesses.
The charity gifts new, lightweight bicycles and specially adapted trikes to children and young individuals impacted by cancer. These gifts are intended to be a 'right of passage' and provide a much-needed source of delight amidst lengthy treatments.
Cyclists Fighting Cancer operates four shops in Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham, London, and Manchester. These locations refurbish and resell donated bicycles, with proceeds supporting the purchase of new bikes for young recipients. To date, the charity has distributed over 10,000 bikes across the UK.
Recently, Grisenthwaite was surprised by BBC One's The One Show for his significant contributions. The segment included heartfelt video messages from beneficiaries, charity staff, and a special tribute from cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy.
