“SUPERMAN” Graeme Heward and his two sons Elliot and Sam are embarking on a marathon fund-raising journey to say thank you to the dedicated people who have helped him through a three year battle with a rare form of cancer.
Graeme, aged 52, Elliot, 22 amd Sam, 20, will spend eleven days cycling between and climbing the highest mountains in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Lymm family will be setting off from the Christie Hospital on July 2 where Graeme has been receiving treatment for malignant sino-nasal cancer.
They have already raised in excess of £4,500 which will be equally split between the Christie and Macmillan Cancer Support.
The intrepid trio will average the distance from Manchester to Hull (105 miles) each of the eight full days of cycling and climb on foot a total height greater than that of Mount Everest.
The inspiration for their trip has been Graeme’s three year battle with the rare form of cancer.
Elliot said: “None of us have a background of cycling or climbing but we are fit individuals with a will to challenge ourselves for two charitable causes that are close to our hearts.
“Our father was diagnosed with malignant sino-nasal cancer in August 2011 and trip will mirror the ups and downs of his own inspirational journey in which he has endured 12 craniofacial operations, radiation therapy, a severe autoimmune reaction, the loss of his right eye and facial disfigurement.
“His is a continuing fight. However, with the help of dozens of consultants, doctors, nurses and specialist care facilities at five different hospitals we are hopeful that he will ultimately survive cancer. He recently had his first clear scan in three years!”
Their journey is being self-funded. Any amount of sponsorship or donations will be entirely for the benefit of the two charities.
Elliot added: “Perhaps what is most remarkable about our event is that our Dad will be cycling and climbing with us the whole way. As we have done throughout the past few years, we will be facing challenges together as a team.”
Graeme has cumulated 200 cycling hours and 3000 miles cycling in his training, worked around his 13 operations/recovery period.
“Dad’s inspirational and unique journey has earned him the nick name “superman” with friends and hospital staff.
“After hearing about Dad’s story people have been inspired to join us, undertaking challenges themselves in aid of The Christies and MacMillan. Without his courage, determination and his dedicated medical staff he may not be here today,” added Elliot.
For further updates on the challenge www.facingchallengestogether.co.uk
Picture shows (L-R) Elliot , Graeme, Sam.
