People diagnosed with cancer often describe their path to wellness as a ‘treatment journey’ but Colin Holmes from Brock, near Garstang has gone a step further by making his personal experience of living with prostate cancer into an actual three hill, 10-mile journey.
Colin, 61, cycled a lap around Barnacre 11 times achieving a total mileage of 111.15 miles with a total climb of 11,591ft.
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He raised more than £750 towards his target of £1,500 to be split equally between Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK.
Each of these charities was represented by a hill. The Bell Lane climb represented the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, the region’s specialist cancer treatment and radiotherapy centre at the Royal Preston Hospital, where there is a bell that patients ring to mark the end of their treatment.
Macmillan was represented by Strickens Lane, chosen for the support it gives to those stricken with the disease, while Prostate Cancer UK was twinned with Long Lane.
Colin, a project manager for Preston electronics distributor CPC, said “This is the longest of the three hills.
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“It starts off with a slight gradient and then there’s a steep kick before it gradually rises then flattens out at the top. It can represent a lot of things that people face in life.
“Effort and determination are needed to get over the steep parts and although it gets easier, you need to keep pedalling!”
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Colin, who was accompanied by son Chris, was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer seven years ago in May 2013. Colin said: “It was a shock as I have always kept fit and felt well. I just happened to mention on a visit to my doctor that I was having to go to the loo more often at night.
“My diagnosis has led to me spending many hours at Rosemere Cancer Centre and without the dedication, skill and care I have received from its oncologists, doctors and nurses, I probably wouldn’t be here today.
“A cancer diagnosis gives you a different perspective on life. It’s a perspective you wish you had 20 years earlier but under different circumstances.
“Seize the moment. Make every day count!”
To add to the funds Colin has raised, visit his Just Giving page here.
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