AN OPTICIAN from Bidford jumped in the saddle to help others in their battle with cancer.
Richard Fantom, of Richard Fantom Eyecare, cycled from London to Paris and raised £5,000 for Bloodwise, which helps and supports those affected by blood cancers.
Richard was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma in 2012.
He said: “Only a few months earlier I had felt healthy and well but by the time I was diagnosed with this very aggressive cancer I was gravely ill.
“I received superb treatment at the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and was lucky enough to make a good recovery. I had intended to ride London to Paris in September 2018 but was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2018.
“I had surgery to remove the tumour from my humerus and then started chemotherapy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital five days before I was due to start the ride. Chemotherapy finished in January and I am recovering from that.”
But he was determined to complete the four day 500km cycle to Paris.
“The ride went really well. The weather was largely kind. The reception from the French town we passed through was enthusiastic, friendly and supportive.
“I had been looking forward to this event for over 18 months. I had little doubt that I would complete it, but did have a number of times when I wondered whether I would be able to get to the start line.”
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-fantom-l2p2019 to add to Richard’s fund-raising total.
