Harrogate cancer patient’s cycling challenge

Bob Fagan, 60, was diagnosed with inoperable prostate cancer four years ago but was told in November 2013 that the cancer had spread into his spine and lower back.

Despite being told he only had a maximum two years to live, Mr Fagan decided that he would take on the epic challenge of cycling across the Highlands of Scotland.

Mr Fagan will then cycle back from Scotland to Harrogate in order to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Cancer Vaccine Institute.

He said: “The bike ride was just an idea that I came up with because I thought that it was time I gave something back to the system so I am fundraising for these brilliant charities.

“Despite the cancer, the training has been 100 per cent. The oncologist and the urologist said that the best thing I can do it get on the bike as it adds towards the containment of the cancer.

“I do suffer pain in a lot of the things that I do but the moment I get on the bike it’s gone. The training has given me another focus in life and cycling is an absolutely fantastic sport, second to none.”

After speaking to his family about the challenge his son, Mark, was eager to get on board and will be accompanying his father along with Bob’s friends Spencer Davies and Robert May.

The team will be cycling around the seven Lochs and Glens hotels around the highlands as Bob said he remembers taking his wife there and enjoyed the beautiful and picturesque settings.

He said: “I have never done anything like this before but, I have run it by all of my family and friend, and the reaction has been wonderful as they’ve all told me what a great idea it is.

“I don’t feel that I’m an inspiration but everyone keeps telling me that’s what I am .I just wanted to give something back to the amazing treatment and support I have received at the Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre.

“We’re going to Marbella in November and we’ve been blessed with a grandson who is 20 weeks old so there’s a lot worse off out there than me.

The team began their journey on Monday September 1 and will spend the week cycling between the hotels before riding the 87 miles from Penrith to Harrogate on Sunday September 7,

To donate to Prostate Cancer UK please go to www.justgiving.com/bobfagan and to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support go to www.justgiving.com/markfagan79