Roger reflects on #TeamBike's decade of fundraising
Since 2014, Teambike, fronted by Roger Mackenzie, a former UCLH patient, has organised fundraising adventure cycles in the high Pyrenees and the Alps.
“In the last newsletter, I wrote about Teambike’s fundraising plan to cycle up the formidable Canigou Massif in a remote part of the Pyrenees in June. There were 21 participants, and we were again raising funds for the wonderful UCLH Cancer Fund.
I first became involved in fundraising for UCLH in 2014 when I was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer. The hospital has been developing treatments with constantly improving outcomes throughout the last decade. I have been fortunate to have received the benefits of their skills and care, but the research must continue for future generations. This year, we have already raised £8500, and we hope to get close to £10k by the time our page closes in late December. However, we have now raised over £95k over the past ten years, which is just the bonus.
The most important elements are these:
- People love the challenge of climbing the highest mountain cols in the Pyrenees and the Alps (with food, drink, and encouragement from our super van drivers).
- It is fun, creates lifetime memories and establishes enduring friendships. It’s a focus on getting as fit as possible for a formidable challenge, and it can aid recovery from both cancer and other illnesses and injuries.
- It’s a ‘stress buster’ and an opportunity to count your blessings; it just feels worthwhile.
- Lastly, it is fun!
So, if you’re currently undergoing treatment, I wish you well and hope that you will enjoy the challenges of post-treatment adventures. Maybe you, too, will start a fundraising event that will go on for many years."
We spoke to Zafer Tandogdu, Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgeon, about the difference that TeamBike's fundraising has made.
“I am delighted to have the support of the UCLH Charity Cancer Fund to ensure developing treatment for prostate cancer patients can keep moving forward. Our work in mapping out precise, individualised surgical treatment plans for prostate cancer patients is going from strength to strength. Thank you to all who have supported the Cancer Fund and helped make this possible.”
Roger also explained why TeamBike is such an important challenge to him.
“It’s now ten years since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I was referred to UCLH for treatment by my local hospital in Suffolk. I remember the first day I arrived at the UCLH Cancer Centre, full of anxiety about the future.
While waiting for my appointment, I started talking to a member of the fundraising team. She was organising a fundraising bike ride for staff from Amsterdam back to UCLH and invited me to join them after my treatment. That’s how the Teambike adventures began.
This year feels particularly poignant. I’ve lost three close friends to prostate cancer since our last event two years ago. This year, we’d love to raise close to £100,000, although I am aware that many people are struggling financially. Although it would be nice to achieve our goal, sometimes it’s best not to set a target and just see what happens.
The most important thing is that everyone enjoys a magical three days. For me, I want to raise awareness to encourage men to get checked. I’ll count my blessings with every turn of the pedals and be grateful to UCLH.”
Contact Roger via the fundraising team – to support his fundraising visit justgiving.com/
