A Warrington man who has lost two brothers to cancer is embarking on a 2,000-mile three peaks cycling challenge in raise funds for Cancer Research UK in their memory.
Later this month Wayne O’Brien, aged 67, who lost brothers Ken and twin Gary to cancer, will set off from his Fearnhead home to Lands’ End in Cornwall, back north to Llanberis in North Wales, where he will climb up Mount Snowdon, then continue a ride back through his home town and onto the Lake District, where he will climb Scafell Pike.
He will then continue his ride to Scotland, where he will climb Ben Nevis, before continuing onto John O’Groats. He will then turn south and cycle back to Warrington – a cycle ride of just over 2000 miles and a total climb of just over 11,000 feet.
The divorced father of two boys, now fine men, and a grandfather to a beautiful granddaughter, is a touring cycle enthusiast, taking up the hobby when he was fifty years old. He also likes an adventure or two.
Commenting on his charity trek for Cancer Research UK, he said: “I have cycled across America, Spain, France and back home to the UK, for the Charity Help for Heroes, my oldest son was in the army and experienced active service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Eighteen months ago, I cycled from ‘Rome to Home’, just for fun, and it was with many twists and turns. In 2013 I kayaked the Mississippi River from its source in Lake Itasca to New Orleans. Whatever my adventure I always meet amazing people, who often restore my faith in human nature, I also undergo immense challenges, but things always seem to work out.
“One out of every two people in the UK will have cancer in their lifetime, a family member, a friend, or even you. Like most people I have lost someone I love through cancer. My older brother, Ken, who I thought was invincible, died seven years ago with cancer, my twin brother Gary passed away in November of last year with lung cancer, after bravely battling leukaemia for ten years. My sister Wendy is currently battling leukaemia. My next adventure will be to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, in Ken and Gary’s memory, as well as a testament to Wendy’s indominable spirit and continuing cancer treatment.
“In April/May of this year I will be cycling from my home town of Warrington to Lands’ End in Cornwall, back north to Llanberis in North Wales, where I will climb up Mount Snowdon, then continue my ride back through my home town and onto the Lake District, where I will climb Scafell Pike. I will continue my ride to Scotland, where I will climb Ben Nevis, before continuing onto John O’Groats. I will turn south and cycle back to Warrington. A cycle ride of just over 2000 miles and a total climb of just over 11,000 feet. I will be filming events leading up to and during my challenge and posting them on Facebook and YouTube, to make it interesting, and to keep everyone informed. I am doing this challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK, follow me on my journey on www.321ride.co.uk
Wayne has already received almost £1,000 via his donations page which can be VIEWED HERE
