Debbie cycles across Ireland to raisemoney for cancer hospital

Sheffield life coach Debbie Cundy is planning to cycle 270 miles in three days across Ireland to support a Yorkshire cancer hospital after losing a close friend to cancer.

Debbie, from Oughtibridge will be getting back on her bike on September 22 to raise funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity by undertaking a courageous coast to coast challenge in memory of her friend, Jane.

After supporting Weston Park Cancer Charity for many years and raising thousands of pounds through various fundraising events, Debbie hopes to raise further funds this September to support cancer patients across the region. Debbie’s lifelong friend, Jane Cooper from Shafton, Barnsley was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in August 2015.

Mum of two, Jane, who led a fit and healthy lifestyle, visited her doctors with a cough before being referred for an x-ray which confirmed the devastating news that she in fact had terminal lung cancer.

After coming to terms with her diagnosis with partner, Jason and daughters Amelia, 10, and Romany, eight, Jane embarked on a number of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at Weston Park Hospital.

“She was a real fighter,” says Debbie. “From the moment Jane was diagnosed, she and Jason wanted the girls to have an understanding of what was happening to prepare them for the time when Jane would no longer be with them.

“She never lost hope and her amazing strength and resilience was truly inspirational. The cancer was so aggressive and in a short space of time it had spread to her liver and bones, before she sadly passed away in July at the age of 47.”

Jason, Amelia and Romany will be supporting Debbie via JustGiving and following her cycling challenge on Facebook throughout September.

“More than anything, Jason, the kids and I want to do everything we can to keep Jane’s memory alive and help raise funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity,” says Debbie.

“We are ever so lucky to have this incredible specialised cancer hospital on our doorstep in Sheffield and it’s so important that the charity can continue supporting pioneering projects which will ultimately give patients a greater chance of survival now and in the future.”

Charity Fundraising Manager, Sarah Cross said, “We are very grateful to Debbie for undertaking another fantastic fundraising challenge for the cancer charity in memory of her late friend, Jane.”

Jane’s family will be joining Weston Park Cancer Charity’s Light the Night event this October in memory of Jane.

To support Debbie’s Coast to Coast cycle ride visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Debbie-Cundy3

To take on an active challenge in support of Weston Park Cancer Charity this year visit www.wphcancercharity.org.uk