A bike-fanatic gas worker is getting into gear to highlight a wheelie great cause in memory of his late father.

Martin Bailey, from Kew, Southport is cycling a whopping 1000 miles next month in aid of Cancer Research UK after previously raising £1,300 for the charity last year.

The 49-year-old has signed up to the Cycle 300 challenge for 2022 and is increasing his mileage target from 300 to 1000, in the hope of receiving even more donations.

For the challenge Martin, who is a gas network supervisor for Cadent Gas, will be peddling in memory of his late father Thomas, who died from lung cancer in May 2019 aged 70.

After recently hanging up his rugby boots, Martin has become a keen cyclist, riding most days, and always past the pond where his dad’s ashes were scattered.

Martin said: “Nearly three years ago I sadly lost my dad to cancer and I miss him every day. I will be pedalling harder than ever because I want to raise money for life-saving research so future generations won’t suffer like my dad did.

“I often think about the day my dad said goodbye to me just before he died, and it makes me very emotional. I hope that by raising donations I can make a difference and in the future more and more people diagnosed with cancer will go on to live.”
Dad of four and new grandad, Martin, is a firm believer in the positive health benefits of cycling and is also encouraging others to take part.

Participants are asked to raise money for life-saving research by getting sponsored to cycle 300 miles during June. And taking part needn’t be an uphill struggle as people can choose how, when and where they hit the target - whether they ride 10 miles every day, 75 miles every weekend or all in one go.

The challenge can be completed indoors, outdoors, solo or as part of a team - and cycling to work, the shops or taking on a spin class all count towards the distance.

Martin added: “Cycling is good for keeping fit but also for your mental health. I have time to think when I’m on my bike and I always go past the pond where my dad’s ashes are scattered and take a moment to reflect.

“There’s no better motivation for the Cycle 300 challenge than knowing you’re helping to save lives, so I hope that people in Southport will get on their bikes with me this June and do their bit to make a difference to all our futures.”

In the North West, around 44,900 people are diagnosed with cancer every year*. But, thanks to research, more people than ever across the UK are surviving for 10 years or more.

As Cancer Research UK celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2022, it is paying tribute to its supporters for the part they have played in this progress.

Jemma Humphreys, the charity’s spokesperson for the North West, said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime.** But all of us can play a part to help beat it. For the past 20 years, the incredible generosity and commitment of people like Martin has helped Cancer Research UK make discoveries that have saved countless lives and benefit millions of people around the world. But we have so much more to do.

“By signing up to Cycle 300 this June, commuters, weekend enthusiasts or gym bunnies alike can help the charity’s scientists go the distance and unlock new and better ways to beat the disease. We've come so far. And we will go much further. Together we will beat cancer.”

Cancer Research UK spent around £33 million in the North West last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. Money raised by Cycle 300 is crucial to the pioneering work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are tackling cancer on all fronts.

Taking on the challenge has positive health benefits too. Along with helping to build fitness and burn excess calories, cycling regularly encourages a healthier heart and can help to improve mood and sleep.

Join the challenge and receive a free fundraising pack at cruk.org/cycle300

Visit Martin’s fundraising page to follow his progress and donate.