North East urged to get on their bike for cancer charity

People across the North East of Scotland are being urged to get on their bikes for Cancer Research UK and raise money for a wheelie great cause.

People of all ages and abilities – from seasoned cyclists to recent converts – are being encouraged to sign up now for the Cycle 300 challenge to help the charity continue its life-saving mission.

Participants can choose how, when and where to clock up 300 miles on a bike during September - whether it’s 10 miles every day, 75 miles every weekend or all in one go.

There are many ways to hit the 300-mile mark for commuters, weekend enthusiasts or gym bunnies alike.

Cycling to work, countryside rides and taking part in spin classes can all add up. As can ditching the car for a bike when popping to the shops. And with indoor exercise bikes growing in popularity, it’s easy for homeworkers to get involved too.

There is also the added benefit of getting on a bike to keep fit and healthy. Depending on weight and effort, cyclists could burn roughly between 450 to 750 calories per hour.

Graeme Sneddon, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Scotland, said: “1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime*. But all of us can play a part to help beat it. So, we hope as many people as possible join the challenge and cycle 300 miles this September in aid of life-saving research.

“It is the perfect opportunity to combine all the benefits of cycling, the thrill of a physical challenge and the fantastic sense of achievement of raising money for a great cause - all at the same time.

“And, importantly, reaching 300 miles needn’t feel like an uphill struggle, because participants can choose how, when and where to do it, to fit in with their lifestyle and commitments.”

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of the progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years.

In Scotland, the charity spent over £42 million in 2019/20 on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research – helping to save the lives of more people.

Graeme added: “Cancer Research UK has been hit hard by COVID-19. But with around 32,400 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Scotland**, we will never stop striving to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.

“This past year proves, more than any other, the value of investing in science and medical research, and what can be achieved together. Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer.

“That’s why we need people to sign up to Cycle 300 now and use their pedal power to move research forward.”

Join the challenge and receive a free fundraising pack here.