Melton man’s epic cycle in memory of best friend
Tragically, Paul was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away aged 27 just 15 days later.
Ten years on, Pete is preparing to take on a charity challenge in memory of his great pal where he will cycle 1,000 miles from John’s O’Groats at the tip of Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall.
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Proceeds will go to Pancreatic Cancer UK, which funds research and supports sufferers.
Pete (37), who will ride with three friends, told the Melton Times: “It’s going to be very tough because I am not an experienced cyclist and I had not ridden a bike since childhood until I started training for this.
“I am sure there will be times when thinking about Paul will help drag me through.”
Pete and Paul went to the same Sherard playgroup together, before going on to the primary school, Sarson School and the old King Edward VII School, where both took their A-levels.
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Despite going off to university, they remained close and continued their frendship into adulthoood.
“I had known Paul since we were both three and we played for the same football team for about eight years,” said Pete, who is married with two sons.
“He was kind-hearted, smart, caring, funny, never trouble and had lots of friends.
“His death came as quite a shock and his loss left a big gap in the lives of his family and friends.”
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Pete joined forces with Paul’s family to raise more than £30,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK in a bid to raise awareness of the disease, which has the lowest survival rate of all common cancers,
And on the 10th anniversary of losing his friend, Pete has decided to do his most adventurous fundraiser so far, in which the group wil cycle around 100 miles a day for 10 days.
Friends Philip Muff and Andrew Robertson will be pedalling alongside him from the start day, Saturday September 12, with Chris Nattrass driving the support vehicle.
They have covered about 4,000km in training rides since the start of the year and had hoped to do it in July until the pandemic led to the closure of places they would have stayed at.
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Pete added: “The start and the end will be the toughest parts of the course.
“The northern part of Scotland and then going into Cornwall will both be tough as it goes up and down a lot and is quite elevated.
“I couldn’t do it on my own so I’m so grateful that my friends will be with me and they all realise how important it is for me to do this.”
Pledges have already passed £4,000 towards the £10,000 target - go online at www.justgiving.com/jogle4paul to donate.