matthew fletcher
Route To Roots
Fundraising for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
Story
Matt and Catherine's Route to Roots
Our route ... We're setting off on a 450 mile unsupported bike ride from Yorkshire to Cornwall to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign’s appeal to build a new children's cancer centre. Our roots ... We’re riding to mark our 10th wedding anniversary and wanted a challenge that was unique to us, so our route takes us through the birthplaces of each of our parents ... Pontefract in Yorkshire, Shire Newton in Monmothshire, Marlborough in Wiltshire and Wadebridge in Cornwall. Why? When Matthew was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008 we were given a small insight into the experiences of cancer patients in the UK and the work of the Marsden. His rapid and caring treatment in the hands of Kingston Hospital and the Royal Marsden Hospital meant that just ten weeks after his initial diagnosis his treatment was complete and confirmed as a success. We were very lucky. Our milestone 10th Wedding Anniversary gave us the chance to do something memorable together and raise some money to make a difference to other people’s lives. When? We’ll cycle for eight days at the beginning of August, covering 60 to 70 miles each day. What can you do? Support us by donating as much as you can, the Royal Marsden need £15 million to build their new Children’s Cancer Centre. Matt finds his clinic appointments at the Marsden really humbling, especially seeing children coping with being cancer patients. It would be great if we could add a couple of thousand to the fund for the new centre.