Press release - 9th July 2009
A St Anne’s cancer survivor saddles up for charity cycle
Mark prepares for the rideJust a year after being diagnosed with throat cancer, a man from St Anne’s is preparing for a challenging bike ride this Sunday 12th July to raise money to help other sufferers.
49 year old Mark Pomfret found out he had the disease in early July last year and underwent an operation the same month. The father of two has since had four check ups and is still in remission.
The IT manager says he feels so lucky to be alive, he wants to give something back and raise as much money as possible to fund cancer research at The Christie in Manchester, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres.
This Sunday he will join thousands of cyclists embarking on the North West’s biggest bike ride. Starting from Manchester United Football Ground at Old Trafford, the 60 mile adventure takes participants along country lanes to the finish on the South Promenade in Blackpool, where they get to enjoy a barbecue and live music. Last year the combined generosity of riders and sponsors raised over £242,000 for the specialist cancer centre.
Mark said; “Being diagnosed with cancer is definitely a wake up call - it really changes how you see life. I don’t anymore put off till tomorrow what I can do today. It also makes you care about your health a lot more.
“I’ve been training for this ride for the past five months or so. I’ve managed about 50 miles at a time so far, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to do an extra 10! You’d think my body would be used to it by now, but I still get a sore backside and legs!”
“I hope to raise in excess of £400 for the Christie charity. Although I wasn’t treated there, it is such a fantastic cause.”
Events officer at the Christie charity, Marco Giannini, said; “To be embarking on this ride only a year after finding out he had cancer is just remarkable. I wish Mark lots of luck for Sunday – we’ll all be cheering him on!”
The national construction based group of companies, Seddon Group, is an official sponsor of the Christie charity’s sporting events, such as this bike ride, during 2009 and 2010.
To take part in the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride like Mark visit www.bike-events.com
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The Christie in Manchester is one of the leading cancer centres in Europe - registering around 12,500 new patients and treating about 40,000 patients every year.
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