Sheffield Life Coach Cycles Coast to Coast Across Ireland in Memory of Friend

7th September 2016

A Sheffield life coach is planning to cycle 270 miles in 3 days across Ireland to support her local cancer hospital after losing a close friend to cancer.

Debbie Cundy, from Oughtibridge will be getting back on her bike on September 22nd 2016 to raise funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity by undertaking a courageous coast to coast challenge in memory of her friend, Jane. After supporting Weston Park Cancer Charity for many years and raising thousands of pounds through various fundraising events, Debbie hopes to raise further funds this September to support cancer patients across the region. Weston Park Hospital is one of only a handful of specialist cancer hospitals in England and treats patients from all over South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire a population of almost 1.8million people. Weston Park Cancer Charity is the only dedicated charity for the hospital and exists to support the world-class cancer research and to improve the treatment and care for people living with cancer. Debbie's lifelong friend, Jane Cooper from Shafton, Barnsley was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in August 2015. Mum of 2, Jane, who led a fit and healthy lifestyle, visited her doctors with a cough before being referred for an x-ray which confirmed the devastating news that she in fact had terminal lung cancer. After coming to terms with her diagnosis with partner, Jason and daughters Amelia (10) and Romany (8) Jane embarked on a number of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at Weston Park Hospital. -She was a real fighter, said Debbie.  -From the moment Jane was diagnosed, she and Jason wanted the girls to have an understanding of what was happening to prepare them for the time when Jane would no longer be with them. -She never lost hope and her amazing strength and resilience was truly inspirational. The cancer was so aggressive and in a short space of time it had spread to her liver and bones, before she sadly passed away in July at the age of 47. Jason, Amelia and Romany will be supporting Debbie via JustGiving and following her cycling challenge on Facebook throughout September. Debbie continued, -More than anything, Jason, the kids and I want to do everything we can to keep Jane's memory alive and help raise funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity. -We are ever so lucky to have this incredible specialised cancer hospital on our doorstep in Sheffield and it's so important that the charity can continue supporting pioneering projects which will ultimately give patients a greater chance of survival now and in the future. Cancer currently affects 1 in every 3 people in the UK and by 2020 it is expected to affect 1 in every 2 of us. Throughout 2016, Weston Park Cancer Charity will fund various projects to enable the continued improvement of Weston Park Hospital; including the expansion of research studies, improving the way cancer treatments are delivered and supporting the ongoing care provisions of patients and their families affected by cancer. Charity Fundraising Manager, Sarah Cross said, -We are very grateful to Debbie for undertaking another fantastic fundraising challenge for the cancer charity in memory of her late friend, Jane. -From cycling to running, we're encouraging more people to jump on their bikes or pull on their trainers this year and complete active challenges whilst raising vital funds. Jane's family will be joining Weston Park Cancer Charity's Light the Night event this October in memory of Jane. To support Debbie's Coast to Coast cycle ride visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Debbie-Cundy3 To take on an active challenge in support of Weston Park Cancer Charity this year visit: http://www.wphcancercharity.org.uk/how_to_support_weston_park_hospital_cancer_charity.html