Man's charity cycle after cancer 'wake up call'

Getting a cancer diagnosis was a "wake up call that ignited a deeper passion to make a difference", a cyclist has said.

David Stoyle, 60, from the Chew Valley in Somerset, had an unexpected "complete shock" last year when he was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia during routine blood tests.

He now plans to take on small fundraising events, including a five-hour static bike challenge in Bath, before riding the Tour De France route in June on behalf of the Cure Leukaemia charity

Stoyle said he has been "spurred into action" to do it for his family, friends and everyone affected by cancer.

Stoyle, who is semi-retired, said he has always loved cycling and has "seen the world by bike".

"We've been across Europe a few times and cycled to the arctic circle and Patagonia. I've been fairly healthy all my life," he said.

Stoyle said his diagnosis came as a "complete shock".

"I always felt invincible. You don't head off around the world on a bike if you don't feel your inner strength.

"It suppresses the immune system gives you anaemia and lethargy, but not life threatening in short to medium term and there are some good treatments," he said.

"It was more of a wake up call. It does spur you into action.

"It ignited a deeper passion to make a difference"

To help reach his goal of raising £30,000 for the charity, Stoyle will also ride 100 miles (161km) on a static bike at the ReBalance Bath festival on Tuesday.

He will then ride through Japan to "warm up" before travelling to Barcelona for the start of the Tour De France challenge on 27 June.

There he will meet with a team of 20 other amateur cyclists also taking on the charity challenge.

Geoff Thomas MBE, Cure Leukaemia patron and former England footballer, said he is "immensely proud of David and the entire team".

"They aren't just retracing the route of the Tour de France; they are providing a lifeline," he said.

"Every mile David rides and every pound he raises goes directly toward the clinical trials and specialist nurses that give patients across the globe a second chance at life.

"He is turning a personal battle into a victory for blood cancer patients everywhere."

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