Family Shepherd take on Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4!
Ella, John and his twin brother Alan are taking part in Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour De 4 Red Ride, cycling 56 miles on 7th September in Glasgow. Raising funds for the WISHH Charity to help patients fight cancer Castle Hill Hospital’s Queen’s Centre. Keen cyclist John, is living with Stage 4 stomach cancer in September 2023.
When Chris Hoy set up the event, John, a Consultant Clinical Scientist in Biochemistry at Hull Royal Infirmary, was keen to be part of this ‘Stage 4 affair’, cycling alongside many other people living with stage 4 cancer. Ella, an NHS Scientific Support Officer in Genomics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, and Alan, a Biomedical Scientist at York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Trust, are there alongside John, as he gets back to doing what he loves most.
Whilst, the family are taking on the Tour De 4, Ella inspired by her Dad’s passion for cycling from a young age, has decided to go the extra (1,000) mile(s) to help raise funds for this cause that’s become so important to her family. Ella will cycle the length of the UK from Land’s End to John O-Groats, with a brief stopover in Glasgow to take part in Sir Chris’ Cycling Challenge.
Ella said, “This will take me best part of two weeks to complete, with many miles to be covered and hills to be climbed each day. It’s terrifying and exhilarating in equal parts, and the biggest physical challenge I’ve taken on so far.
“The money raised for WISHH will go towards the Queens Centre at Castle Hill Hospital; a dedicated cancer unit devoted to high quality care, cutting edge research and along with other cancer hubs, helps lead the way in the battle against many types of cancer. Any amount of money you are able to donate is gratefully received, whether that be towards the complex equipment that supports patient’s lives, your support means a lot to us all.”
Lisa Whitton of the WISHH Charity said, “We are incredibly proud and moved by the determination and strength shown by John, Ella and Alan. Their decision to take on the personal challenge of Chris Hoy’s Tour De 4, speaks volumes about their character and is truly inspiring.
Ella’s epic journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, alongside the Tour de 4 ride in Glasgow, is a remarkable tribute to her dad and a shining example. Together, their fundraising will help support others on their own cancer journeys, enhancing the comfort, care and equipment for patients of the Queen’s Centre at Castle Hill Hospital.
We are so grateful for their support and send our heartfelt thanks and best wishes as they take on this incredible challenge.”
To support Ella, John and Alan visit: https://gofund.me/060dd0f0
