As ACT’s Commercial Manager Derek Bain goes into his final few weeks of training for the biggest ride of his life, he says he has been motivated and encouraged by all the support he has received.
Derek will by riding the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 on July 30 and he is raising money for Breast Cancer Now. He said: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has already donated through my Virgin Money fundraising page and for all the kind messages.
“Your support is greatly appreciated and really has helped through my training sessions.
“I have also had many messages with pledges for donations, so I hope that these people might turn the pledges into donations.”
Derek in ACT cycle kit.
A poignant story
Derek’s family has had first-hand experience of cancer. His mother was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago and was fortunate to be a survivor.
Derek says: “We have been lucky and mum continues to play the important role within our family that she always has.
“More than 50,000 women and 350 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year – and one woman every 45 minutes loses her life to the disease.
“I am sure that we have all been touched by this disease in some way, whether a mother, sister, grandmother, aunt or a friend and raising funds so I am hoping more people will donate to this cause as I count down the final weeks to the big ride from London to Surrey.”
The charity funds go towards research, campaigning for the NHS to unlock treatments and drugs for all, as well as raising awareness and support.
Derek’s training rides in June.
Derek’s training rides
Training has been going well and this being Scottish summertime, Derek has been out on the bike in all weathers, including some sunshine, a lot of wind, a lot of rain, more rain and many grey days.
He says: “The weather has not been easy and I have also developed a bit of a niggle with my back, which has been hampering my training a bit, but I still have sight of the fund-raising and the date of July 30 as a goal to push me on.”
Keep an eye on this blog to find out how Derek’s 100-mile sportive ride goes on the day. Please do sponsor Derek.
