Prof Pam gets back in the saddle for Cancer Research UK
A top children’s cancer doctor is getting on her bike for Cancer Research UK and urging others to saddle up and join the campaign to get research back on track after the impact of the pandemic.
Prof Pam Kearns is calling on people of all ages and abilities – from seasoned cyclists to recent converts – to sign up for the charity’s Cycle 300 challenge.
Participants can choose how, when and where to clock up 300 miles on a bike in September to raise money for life-saving research.
Prof Kearns, who works at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, is a keen cyclist who can often be spotted touring the leafy lanes of Staffordshire, where she lives.
She is keen to show how pedal power can make a crucial difference to people diagnosed with the disease.
Prof Kearns, who is director of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU) and director of the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham, said: “I love cycling and am delighted that so many people have used lockdown to discover the mental and physical benefits of getting out and about on their bikes. For me it’s a way to get a break from work and just enjoy the beautiful Staffordshire countryside.
“Cancer hasn’t stopped because of Coronavirus. Covid-19 has hit Cancer Research UK hard and had a devastating impact on fundraising as events have been cancelled and research has been put on hold. As a scientist and doctor I know that research today produces the treatments of tomorrow, so it’s really important to kickstart fundraising again.
“I think Cycle 300 is a great way to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s vital research. Participants can choose how and when to do it, so that it fits in with their lifestyle and commitments. I’d encourage as many people as possible to get into gear and help raise money by signing up for Cycle 300. Anyone who raises money will be helping to get Cancer Research UK’s vital research back on track after the impact of the pandemic.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Prof Kearns can do so here: pams-cycle-300-cruk-fundraising-challenge
To sign up now for a free fundraising pack visit www.cruk.org/cycle300
