A Queen’s University scientist and his colleagues are urging local people to get into gear next month and raise funds for Cancer Research UK as they clock up 300 miles by bike.
Cancer researcher Dr Richard Turkington is encouraging men and women to sign up to Cancer Research UK’s Cycle 300 in September to raise funds for life-saving research.
Participants will be able to choose when and where they ride their 300 miles.
Cancer Research UK is a funder of research carried out by Dr Turkington and his colleagues at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s University.
Dr Turkington carries out research into oesophageal and stomach cancer. Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of oesophageal cancer in the world and symptoms include difficulty swallowing and heartburn for more than three weeks.
Catching the disease early is especially important and Dr Turkington’s research focuses on new ways to diagnose and treat oesophageal cancer.
Dr Turkington, who often cycles the 20-mile return journey from his home to work at Queen’s, is keen to show pedal power can make a crucial difference to people diagnosed with the disease.
He said: “I love cycling. I cycle with my family for fun, for exercise and to wind down after work. I think it’s a great way to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s vital research.
“The challenge is totally flexible. Participants are asked to cycle 300 miles in September to raise money for Cancer Research UK, but can choose their own routes and pace, whatever fits in with their lifestyle and commitments.”
Depending on weight and effort, it is believed participants could burn roughly between 400 to 750 calories per hour of cycling.
Andrea Kennedy, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Northern Ireland, said: “We are very grateful to Dr Turkington for his support and hope it will start a chain reaction, sparking the interest of cyclists of all ages and abilities.
“You can sign up to Cycle 300 on your own or make it more social by challenging family, friends and colleagues to join you. It’s a fantastic opportunity to commit to a healthy challenge now, so you have something to aim for in September.”
To take part in Cycle 300 and can make a real difference in the fight against the disease - sign up here for a free fundraising pack.
