Cycle challenge for Addenbrooke’s staff

A cancer specialist nurse and a surgeon from Addenbrooke’s are taking on a gruelling 140-mile challenge for charity.

 

Ben Smith, Clinical Nurse Specialist Oesophago-gastric Cancer, and Mr Simon Dwerryhouse, Consultant Upper GI Surgeon, will be raising money for patients with oesophageal and gastric cancers. They are taking on the inaugural C2C cycle challenge – a route from Whitehaven to Sunderland through the spectacular scenery of the Lake District and the Pennines. They will cover the distance in just two days, on a route which includes a demanding off-road section.

Ben said: “Oesophageal and gastric cancers are among the top 10 cancers in the UK, yet there is very little publicity. It’s a devastating form of cancer and we hope our cycle ride will help raise awareness, as well as raising money for patients.”

They both work in the Upper Gastrointestinal Unit at Addenbrooke’s – a team which provides diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the oesophagus and stomach. Ben and Simon are experienced cyclists but the C2C promises to be a difficult two days. Organisers warn participants of a 2,700 metre climb along the “rooftop of northern England”.

 

Ben added: “The off-road terrain will be particularly demanding but we’re both looking forward to taking part and hope we can raise as much money as possible.”

Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/addenbrookesuppergi while further information of the C2C, which takes place on July 11 and 12, is available at www.cycle-challenge.co.uk