Take part in the Maggie’s Gran Fondo Cycling Challenge and help people living with cancer

Howard, from Oldham, is taking on the cycle challenge in memory of his son, Mark

Local cancer charity Maggie’s Oldham are calling on cycling fans to get stuck into a unique challenge.

Whether you ride a road bike, mountain bike, gravel bike, BMX, turbo trainer or smart bike, this ‘Big Ride’ is open to cyclists of all levels.

The Gran Fondo celebrates Maggie’s partnership with UCI Cycling World Championships - taking place in Glasgow this month - and asks supporters to notch up either 250km or 500km between now and August 13 to raise funds for people with cancer and their families.

People like Howard, from Oldham, who is taking on the challenge in memory of his son, Mark.

Howard said: “Mark was being monitored for melanoma cancer following removal of a lymph node a couple of years previously.

"A scan in March revealed a number of brain tumours and despite this and ongoing radio therapy and immunotherapy, he opted to do the 250 miles Maggies cycling challenge in May 2022.

"I am doing 500 km in his memory and like him raising funds for Maggies whose services we both appreciated during that difficult time.”

Participants who sign up to raise funds for Maggie’s will receive a free cycling jersey and can join the community via a dedicated Maggie’s Virtual Gran Fondo Facebook group, as well as tracking rides on Strava and joining the Strava group to be part of the chat.

Trophies are available for the top fundraiser, the oldest or youngest cyclists, those that have the best finish line photo or most outlandish cycling outfit.

Check out the list of trophies up for grabs here and select which you’d like to compete for as you register.

Maggie’s professional staff include psychologists, cancer support specialists and benefits advisors and is funded by voluntary donations.

Since Maggie’s opened its first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer, as well as family and friends, take back control.

To find out more about Maggie’s Oldham please visit the centre at the Sir Norman Stoller Building, Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, OL1 2JH, or call 0161 989 0550.

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