A group of nine friends have embarked on a six day charity cycle from Northampton to Amsterdam to raise money and awareness for breast and prostate cancer.
Leading the trip is Paul Merry, whose wife Zina was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018.
Paul and his friends previously rode from Northamptonshire Cricket Club to Paris in 2019 – raising £15k for charity. However, on Saturday 2 July 2022, the group will set off on a 400+ mile trip that will see them travel to Dover, Ostend, Antwerp and Rotterdam, before finishing in Amsterdam on Friday 8 July, where they will be greeted by family and friends.
Any funds raised will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, with the group – none of whom are pro-cyclists – launching a Crowdfunder.
Paul Merry, said:
“The idea for these charity cycles was borne out of Zina’s incredible bravery when undergoing treatment. I often felt useless, but watching her comeback made me think – are there any other ways in which I can help? That’s when I decided on charity fundraising.
“Since then, we’ve done two rides – including to Paris and the South Coast. None of us are professionals, but we all have a passion for helping those that need it. We’ve all also known someone touched or affected by cancer, which has brought us together to raise over £15k for charity. We are now looking forward to venturing out on another epic journey.”
Zina Merry, added:
“Paul and friends are raising vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. After experiencing the disease first hand, and the impact it can have on those diagnosed and their families, I’d urge people to please support these charities that are leading the way in researching breakthroughs and finding better treatments for cancer.”
The group set off from law firm Shoosmiths’ Northampton office, where Zina is a client, on Saturday 2 July 2022 at 09.30.
