These articles are now archived and will no longer be updated.
Cancer researchers from Swansea University have set themselves the epic challenge of cycling more than 4,500km this June to raise money for Tenovus Cancer Care and Maggies Cancer Centres.
The team from the Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology (RBGO) group have taken up the virtual ‘baton’ from scientists at Cardiff University, who raised more than £3,500 by running in excess of 1,000 miles in May.
It’s all part of the Pass the Baton for Cancer Research campaign set up by Dr Alan Parker from Cardiff University, which aims to raise money for a number of cancer charities whose income has been badly affected by the on-going coronavirus crisis.
Professor Steve Conlan, head of the RBGO group at Swansea University, said: “Our plan is to cycle 100 laps of the Gower virtually, that’s 4500km and we are hoping to raise £1000 for Tenovus Cancer Care, who sponsor our research, and Maggies Cancer Centres.
“We have cyclists based in Swansea, Newport and as far away as Grenoble and Houston and for those in the group who don’t cycle there are plans for running and Zumba in parallel.”
The Pass the Baton for Cancer Research campaign got off to a fantastic start last month, with the team of researchers from Cardiff University smashing their initial target of £1,000 by raising more than £3,500.
Carys Jenkins, Regional Fundraising Manager for Tenovus Cancer Care added: “It’s a very challenging time for cancer patients, who are more vulnerable to the coronavirus, so it’s vital that Tenovus Cancer Care can continue to provide our services that support people through a diagnosis, treatment and life beyond cancer.
“But the pandemic has had a huge impact on our income, so it’s important that we raise the much-needed funds to keep our services going and to invest in the cancer research of the future. That is why we are so grateful to the inspirational team from RBGO at Swansea University for taking on the baton, taking on an epic cycling challenge and helping raise these funds.”
Lucia Osmond, Centre Fundraising Manager for Maggie’s Swansea commented: “We are delighted that the RBGO team at Swansea University has chosen Maggie’s as one of their charities through their fundraising challenge. Maggie’s receives no government funding and is reliant on the generosity of the community to keep the services running, so that we can support people affected by cancer which is often the most vulnerable time of their lives.
“At this time, fundraising is challenging due the restrictions the pandemic has imposed on the charity sector, however people with cancer need our support more than ever. We are very grateful for the support that the RBGO team are giving Maggie’s and we wish every member lots of luck.”
Donate to Swansea University RBGO group’s challenge.