'I'm doing this for dad' - Blackpool woman takes on 274-mile cycling challenge for late father
“Help fund the fight. Together we will find a cure.”
A Blackpool woman is in the final stretch of a 274-mile cycling challenge in memory of her dad, Howard, who died just 13 weeks after being diagnosed with a high grade glioma.
Michelle Waddington has cycled throughout August to raise money for Brain Tumour Research, with just 44 miles remaining of her challenge. She has already raised more than £2,400, smashing her original £1,000 target after the local community rallied behind her.
Howard was diagnosed with a high grade glioma on 19th December and was initially given six to 12 months to live. Over Christmas, his symptoms progressed quickly and that prognosis was reduced first to three to six months and then to just weeks. He died on 18th March at home, surrounded by his family.
Michelle and her family are now using the challenge to raise awareness of how devastating and fast-moving brain tumours can be, after their lives were turned upside down in a matter of months.
Michelle said: “I’m doing this in memory of my dad, Howard Emmett who was diagnosed in late December with a high grade glioma and unfortunately he lost his hard fought battle after 13 weeks .
“One in three people in the UK knows someone affected by a brain tumour. This disease is indiscriminate; it can affect anyone at any age. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.
“Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. It is the only national charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours. Help fund the fight. Together we will find a cure.”
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Michelle had not been on a bike for years before taking on the challenge. Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, has also backed her efforts, saying: “Michelle, you're nearly there. Keep going, we are all behind you and I'm sure your dad would be immensely proud.”
Brain Tumour Research says brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, while just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to the disease.
The charity describes itself as a leading voice calling for support and action for research into what is called the last battleground against cancer. With 44 miles still to complete, Michelle is now approaching the final stage of her challenge, with her fundraising total already more than double her original target.
To donate, head to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/michelle-waddington-1