Preston youth club founder and team cycle 300 miles fundraising for cancer patient

Bryon and his squad of cyclists — Byron Highton, Daniel Jude, Mark Pugh and Eugene Scardifield outside Buckingham Palace, the final stop on their 300 mile cycle.

The squad of four cycled 300 miles in five days, starting at Smart Fit Gym in Preston and travelling to London, in efforts to raise money for long-term cancer patient Kim Fletcher.

Weather wasn’t on their side for the five day expedition, as the team endured heavy down falls of rain, strong winds and even hailstone as they proceeded on their pursuit to raise as much money for Kim as possible.

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The treatment was completed privately as Kim had to go through specialist oncologists in her battle against the relentless condition as many of the chemotherapy sessions she previously endured, were unsuccessful in defeating the cancer.

The team regularly updated their donators with pictures and videos of their 300 mile journey.

Founder of the JJ Effect, Byron Highton, rallied three of his friends to face the long cycle using borrowed bikes and donated food. A real community effort ensured the lads made it to their end point, Buckingham Palace as snacks and meals gifted by Fit Food, Pattie Shack and Preston Here for Humanity gave the lads energy to push on to the capital.

Byron Highton, aged 31, said about the trip: “Just remember that before you go out and spend 3k on sports equipment, remember that I can ride my borrowed bike to London in a pair of TN’s and socks with holes in.

“We’re doing this bike ride to show that communities and local people can come together to help raise money for people in need and important causes. For Kim, she is still battling chemotherapy 24/7 to get back to somewhat of a normal life. That’s why it is so important we create events like this one.”

Cyclists Byron and his team. — Byron and his team holding the posters for Kim Fletcher’s cause.

Kim has shared her gratitude for the fundraisers, as she marks the single figure count down until the official end of her chemotherapy treatment. As she now has nine sessions left to undergo, community support keeps her spirits high, Kim said: “I was told I wouldn’t make it past 6 months of treatment, it was then we started to fight for other options and it was because of the public support we were able to do this, I will never give up!”

Byron, Dan and Kim Fletcher with children from the JJ Effect youth group. — Byron Highton, Daniel Jude and Kim Fletcher at a previous fundraiser for her and her family.

You can still donate to support Kim’s fundraiser through this link, as the team have already collected nearly £1500 from their supporters. With a target of £2000, Byron and his team are grateful to see their hard efforts reflected in the money raised.

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Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.