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Helen's story 

A few years ago, I rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic as part of team Yorkshire Rows to raise money for charities including Maggie's Yorkshire.  

At the opening of Maggie's Yorkshire in 2019, I  met Chris.  Chris was introduced to me by Harriet Dow, a fellow Maggie's Ambassador who recently lost her battle with this cruel disease.  Chris, an experienced cyclist, and me who wasn’t, I didn't even own a bike ! agreed it would be a good idea to cycle from Maggie's Yorkshire to Maggie's Barcelona, 1000 miles. Like all great plans, this was decided in less than 5 minutes of meeting, and if Harriet hadn't of introduced us this idea would never have happened!   

Due to the pandemic, the trip has been delayed but we have already raised £1,400, and thank you to all who have donated.  This money has already been given to Maggie's but will be added to the total following the ride.  

Chris's story

I recently retired as Maggie's Property Director.  Over the several years that I worked at the charity, I've had the great privilege of participating in the creation of some amazing places that are helping the wonderful Maggie's team provide care and emotional support to all those affected by cancer.  I've also seen some incredible initiatives for raising funds which, of course, made it possible to do my job.  I've met some truly inspiring people and right up there is one Harriet Dow.  Harriet brightened lives and inspired each and every person who was involved in the creation of Maggie's Leeds.  She introduced me to Helen and within 5 minutes of our meeting we decided on a sponsored cycle ride from Leeds to Barcelona. So, the ride to Barcelona is simply my way of saying thank you to Harriet as well as all those that have helped Maggie's do what they do best.

Alison's story

I am so pleased to be able to be part of this fundraising effort.  Through being married to Chris I have learned a lot about Maggie's Centres and feel they offer a much-needed area of support for those suffering cancer.  I would love everyone to have access to these special places.  I am dedicating my effort to my wonderful sister Clare, who lost her battle more than 8 years ago.  She would have thought I was bonkers to consider cycling so far but was someone who would have adored Maggie's centres. 

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Paul's story

As a keen cyclist with a need to find new challenges I was pleased to hear about the planned ride from Leeds to Barcelona to promote and fundraise for Maggie’s.

My wife died in June 2020 following a 9 month period of treatment for cancer.  The support provided by our local Hospice at Home charity during her final weeks brought home to me how planned end of life care can help both the patient and the families and friends.

I believe that Maggie’s model of care is exceptional and is one that should be promoted and celebrated, helping people to cope with the challenges presented by terminal illness. I am committed to doing all I can to help Maggie’s grow its capacity to care. 

Fred's story

I'm Fred and I'm a volunteer at Maggie's Yorkshire.  I have been volunteering at Maggie's for the last 12 months.  I'm doing this sponsored ride from Leeds to Barcelona in memory of my wife Annemarie and Alexis my daughter.   I have seen the difference Maggie's makes in people's lives and I know it is important that these centres exist to help and support people with cancer.  Thank you all.

Iris's story

I lost my grandad to cancer a few years ago and if there was a Maggie’s centre, I am sure it would have helped grandma and grandad.   I am doing the ride to raise money for charity and to have a good challenge at the same time.  I enjoy cycling because I find it fun, and I love going fast

Sarah’s story
Is it even possible to ride a bike from Leeds to Barcelona?! (Or in my case Lyon to Barcelona?). Sometimes you have to attempt extraordinary things for extraordinary people.

In August 2021, Harriet Dow, one of my very best friends passed away, and life without her, simply isn’t the same. We met in University 25 years ago and we, and our Uni gang, enjoyed years of amazing friendship. Harriet, our Ginger Cupcake - GC for short, was one of life’s extraordinary people. She lived with incurable cancer for over 7 years. During this time she became an Ambassador for Maggie’s (where I work).

Harriet was hugely influential in creating Maggie’s Leeds; an amazing public speaker, with a unique style and grace. Harriet was so eloquent in articulating what it was like to live with cancer….whilst always doing her best to protect her family and friends from the daily challenges she faced.

So, thanks to Helen Butters (another extraordinary human) I’m going to join this small group of amazing beings for one of two weeks cycling - to raise awareness and funds for Maggie’s. We are a group of people who weren’t connected before this ride, but are connected by our ambition to improve the experiences of people with cancer and their families 🧡.

Every mile that I manage will be in loving memory of my beautiful friend - miss you so much GC x