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Ian's uphill struggle to highlight growing problem of men's cancers
In December 2008, Ian Mitchelson was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
It was huge blow to the fit amateur cyclist. But the cancer was caught early and, after surgery and chemotherapy, Ian was soon back in the saddle and looking for a challenge.
"Having something like cancer makes you want to go and do something with your life. I had always wanted to do some sort of challenge, but I now have an added incentive as I want to raise awareness of testicular cancer," he says.
"I was a typical bloke who would never go to the doctors. Luckily, in this instance I did, and the cancer was caught early, but there is still not enough information out there about testicular cancer."
Ian decided he wanted to raise funds for Orchid Cancer, a little-known UK-registered charity which focuses entirely on male cancers. The number of male cancer cases is rapidly approaching that of breast cancer cases. There are more than 35,000 cases every year. One man dies every hour.
"The hardest part is the two weeks after the operation when you have to wait to see if it has spread. I was put in touch with Orchid Cancer by Calderdale Hospital where I was treated," says Ian, from Ripponden.
"I found them very helpful with lots of information about the disease. The temptation when you are diagnosed with something like this is to surf the internet, but that is the worst possible thing you can do."
However, it was while surfing the internet during his recovery period looking for a challenge, that Ian came across the Cent Cols website.
The Cent Cols Challenge involves 10 days in the French Alps, covering 120 miles per day, 10 mountains per day and climbing 45,000 metres.
"Having just got back on my bike in March following my cancer treatment, gaining the level of fitness required is proving to be a real challenge," says Ian.
He is hoping to raise 10,000 for the charity and is already well on the way, having raised 6,000 for the event, which starts on September 14.
"My company, Great Northern Envelopes, have given me the time to take part in the event, which is great," says Ian, sales director of GNE in Morley. He is now in training for the gruelling ride which will see 40 amateur riders split into teams of four to push themselves to the limit.
"I think the first two to three days will be the worst. It is an opportunity to raise some money for a great charity and do something fantastic."
Donate online at www.bmycharity.com/V2/orchidcentcols or send donations (marked that they have been raised by Ian Mitchelson) to Orchid, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, EC1A 7BE.
What Cent Cols entails
The Cent Cols Challenge involves climbing 100 Cols in 10 days, cycling
200kms per day with an average of 4,000 metres of climbing on each stage. The first edition is being held on the September 14-24. The routes are based loosely on the beautifully designed Randonnes Permanentes of the Club des Cent Cols. The routes designed by this experienced club of passionate col-hunters always guarantee the best options for the cyclist. Although it is not a race, individual times are recorded each day, and the teams will be graded at the end of the event. An award will go to the best team.
To find out more about the event, go to www.centcolschallenge.com
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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