A gargantuan bike ride raising money in honour of Northampton Saints legend Tom Smith is set to finish today – but it’s not too late to donate to the cause.
Andy Peterson set himself the incredible challenge of riding solo and unsupported between the four compass points of the UK in just seven days to raise a whopping £100,000 for 40tude (a charity dedicated to raising awareness and funds to cure colon cancer).
In order to reach the massive total distance of 2,500km, Andy – a 55-year-old father of four – has spent 15 hours a day in the saddle since setting off from Lizard Point on Saturday 16 July.
He is over 70% of the way to his fundraising target, with over £70,000 raised so far, and Andy hopes to complete the journey at Ardnamurchan Point today.
He said: “The four compass points are: Lizard Point (most southerly), Lowestoft (most easterly), Dunnet Head (most northerly), and Ardnamurchan Point (most westerly).
“My father, who like Tom also died from colon cancer, is from Ardnamurchan and is buried close to the Point, which is why I want to finish my ride there.
“Both Tom and my dad were diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. They both had the symptoms but were either unaware of them or ignored them. We need to make everyone aware of the symptoms as this cancer is very treatable if diagnosed early.”
Andy Peterson
Tom Smith – a legend for Northampton Saints, Scotland and the British & Irish Lions – passed away in April from colon cancer, the biggest killer of non-smokers in the UK.
He was also an ambassador for 40tude and wanted to not just raise awareness, but to help find a cure for colon cancer. The money raised for 40tude on Andy’s ride will fund a dedicated research fellow who will research the genetics of hereditary colon cancer.
The research fellow will be based at St. Mark's Hospital, the national bowel hospital. 40tude has been partnering with St. Mark's since the foundation of the charity and together St. Mark’s and 40tude have funded and pioneered several breakthroughs in the early identification and treatment of colon cancer.
You can follow Andy Peterson’s progress HERE or donate now to the 4 Points Ride by CLICKING HERE.
To find out more about 40tude and colon cancer, or book a screening now, please CLICK HERE.
