Bowel cancer patient Steven to complete Manchester to Blackpool bike ride for The Christie charity

A man who was diagnosed with bowel cancer only 18 months ago is aiming to raise funds for The Christie charity by taking part in the annual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride, which this year will take place on September 13.

Steven O’Neill, 50, was treated at The Christie last year and is now hoping to raise more than £2,500 for The Christie charity by taking to the road this month.

Steven, who works in the probation industry, will cycle the 60 miles from Salford Quays to Blackpool’s South Promenade, before cycling a further nine miles to Fleetwood!

Steven, who lives in Grasscroft with his fiancé Simi, said: “I was diagnosed with bowel cancer just after my 50th birthday which was a big blow.

"I had surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy.

“I received excellent care at The Christie and I want to help give something back by taking part in the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.

“I’ve been training five days a week which starts with a 25km and then working up to a final ride each week of more than 80km.

"I train all over Saddleworth mainly but my weekly long ride takes me to The Christie and Manchester city centre.

Steven admits that cycling is relatively new to him and that one of the side effects of his cancer treatment has made it difficult at times.

He added: “I took cycling up again during lockdown having lived quite a sedentary lifestyle before I had cancer.

"I cycled years ago but nothing to this level.

"Since then I’ve cycled over 2,500km and although I’m doing a lot of training it has been quite painful as I still get neuropathy (which is caused by nerve damage) following my chemotherapy treatment.

“However, the whole experience drives me to continue, and overall I’ve never felt fitter and I’ve managed to lose two stone, which of course is also a bonus.”

Taking place for the 29th time, and postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this year’s event will take place on Sunday, September 13.

Around 3,500 cyclists will be riding the route from Media City to Blackpool in a bid to raise as much money as possible to help improve cancer services in the region.

Liz Williams from The Christie charity said: “We’re delighted that Steven is taking part in the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride for the charity and it is great to see him back in the saddle following his treatment.

“The bike ride is a great way for people of all abilities to get involved in a fun and inspiring event to support The Christie charity and even though the dates have had to be rearranged we are sure it will be just as special as ever.”

Last year’s event raised more than £200,000 for The Christie charity and organisers are hoping to raise even more this year.

For more information and to sign up for the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride visit: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/the-christie-charity/get-involved/fundraise/events/events-calendar/manchester-to-blackpool-bike-ride

To donate to Steven please click here

The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds.

This includes money for care and treatment, research, education and extra patient services.

Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust was the first specialist trust to be rated as ‘Outstanding’ twice (in 2016 and 2018) by the health regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It referred to The Christie as ‘a leader in cancer care’ and ‘a pioneer in developing innovative solutions to cancer care.’ 

The CQC praised the Trust’s staff, which it said ‘go the extra mile to meet the needs of patients and their families’ and that they were ‘exceptionally kind and caring.’

In 2017, the CQC rated The Christie as the best specialist trust in the country, and one of the top three trusts overall in England. 

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