Appleby man Craig Sowerby is set to cycle 1,000 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money for research into blood cancer — almost a year after he was diagnosed with the disease.
Joiner Craig has Polycythaemia Vera (PV) which is a rare form of cancer known as Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) which causes an increase in the number of blood cells produced in the body.
“I was diagnosed last August,” recalls Craig, who runs a building services company. “It was a massive shock to me and my family. I had never heard of PV or MPN.
“The first thing I asked my consultant was ‘How long do I have left?’ I’ve lost a lot of close friends and family to different types of cancer and thought that this was the end for me.”
However, 47-year-old Craig was told that his blood cancer, though not curable, could be managed through treatment. He has a JAK2 mutation which makes his body over produce red blood cells.
In time, if this is not treated, it could cause a stroke, heart attack and more complications.
Craig has responded well to treatment and has been preparing for his lengthy bike ride with daily cycles before work.
He aims to complete the ride in nine days, in aid of MPN Voice, the charity which supports blood cancer patients and funds research.He begins the ride on 4th July, supported by his wife Linsey and son Oli. Local businesses are also supporting his efforts.
Lee Crone, from Westmorland Cycle Repairers, is providing spare wheels and accessories; building services firm C&L Services are covering the cost of the Sowerby team’s accommodation along the route, and Dinsdale Contracts are covering the fuel costs of the journey.
Craig added: “I’ve always been a keen cyclist and have long wanted to do the John O’ Groats to Land’s End ride. This has given me the motivation. My treatment is working, and my consultant and nurses at Riva House in Carlisle are taking great care of me and keeping me here longer.
“Already we have received donations totaling £5,300. It’s fantastic and I am grateful to everyone who has donated so far.”
Craig’s fundraising page can be found at: www.justgiving.com/page/craig-sowerby-cycling-challenge
