A surgeon will cycle from London to Paris to raise funds for a breast unit at Grimsby hospital.
The Pink Rose Suite cares for people who need to use its breast imaging and diagnostic service.
Jenny Smith, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at the town’s hospital, will be taking part in the 2024 Hotchillee London-Paris Cycle, a self-funded 323-mile three-day cycling event from 13-15 June.
The closed road challenge will see her start in East Molesley in Surrey and travel to Folkestone to embark the ferry. Jenny will then cycle from Calais to Amiens, before travelling onto Paris and finishing at the Eiffel Tower.
She said: “I have taken up this challenge for two important reasons. Firstly, I want to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise in fighting cancer. Research shows that people who exercise are less likely to get cancer, and are more likely to stay healthy during and after treatment.
“Exercise also has a positive impact on the mental health of both patients and their loved ones on a cancer journey. It doesn’t have to be cycling; any form of exercise, like walking with a loved one undergoing treatment or trying chair-based exercises, can make a difference.”
Jenny works on The Pink Rose Suite, so has seen first-hand the difference fundraising can make on the unit. The money will go towards equipment to improve patient experience.
She has done challenges before but nothing this big!
Jenny said: “I have done rides before but this will be the furthest I have cycled. It’s always a bit more challenging when it’s colder and windier, so I’m hoping the weather will be good. I’ve been doing three rides a week and a longer one at the weekend to prepare.”
So far, Jenny has raised nearly £3,000 but is hoping to drum up as much money as possible. You can donate to the challenge on JustGiving.
Jenny’s also raising funds for Bosom Family Support (BFS), who run Hope House in Scunthorpe, and care for patients and families affected by all types of cancer. They have just delivered their 20,000th meal in support of patients undergoing treatment. Bosom Family Support have a JustGiving page and are delighted to receive any donations, marked ‘London to Paris bike ride’.
