Paul took on a three-week motorbike journey last September, embarking on his ‘Three Islands Tour’ across the UK. He took on the challenge in memory of his wife, Alison, who worked as a Senior Art Psychotherapist at The Royal Marsden. In doing so, Paul raised more than £2,000 and took every opportunity to raise awareness of the life-saving work at The Royal Marsden for cancer patients.
“I met Alison when I was on a pub crawl in 1990; she was my wife for 31 years. When she was initially diagnosed with the angiosarcoma of the breast*, she was always so positive.”
*Breast angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive cancer originating in the blood or lymph vessels of the breast.
When Alison was diagnosed, she began chemotherapy treatment at The Royal Marsden. After a break in her treatment, she and Paul travelled to Palma for a holiday, but it was cut short when Alison became unwell. They returned home, and within just 12 days of returning to The Royal Marsden, Alison sadly died.
“I've been through the whole experience of losing someone to cancer, which is extremely emotional and tough. The Royal Marsden looked after me and my children so well.
“In many ways because she was involved in an environment specialising in cancer treatment as a Senior Art Psychotherapist, I know it helped her come to terms with the cancer she was dealing with.
“The Royal Marsden couldn't have done more for her in terms of treating her - she was extremely happy with the treatment. Alison loved working here, and she would have been immensely happy about me raising money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.”
Before Paul set off for his tour, he said: “I know that, whether people believe it or not, Alison will be with me every step of the way.”
Watch Paul talk about the story behind his fundraising below:
Paul on his tour: “I talked to everyone who’d listen about my story”
“My motorbike tour lasted for three weeks. It covered the islands of the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Ireland. It rained every day of the tour – especially when I was in Ireland – but this didn't dampen my spirits. I was warmly welcomed by everyone.
“I was over the moon, despite the rain, that I managed to visit all the pre-planned places, none more so than the iconic Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) race circuit.
“I talked to everyone who’d listen about my story, the focus of this tour and the wonderful motorbike that Vines of Guildford had lent me. It won't surprise you that almost everyone that I spoke to knew of a friend or family member that had a cancer story to tell.
“My tour highlights were all the people I met and spoke to about Alison and The Royal Marsden, visiting the three islands (which were once only names of places on a map), my ability to ride in torrential rain, and riding on and off the six ferry trips I made.
“From this experience, I'm driven to do more fundraising tours for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. I can't wait to kick off my Euro 3000 September tour which I'm thinking of live streaming on my YouTube channel - now there's a social media challenge for me!”
Supporters like Paul make a huge difference to cancer patients at The Royal Marsden and around the world.
We would like to thank Paul for his incredible support for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and we can't wait to hear about his future fundraising challenges!
Are you interested in taking on a fitness challenge and raising money for us? From sponsored runs and bike rides to scenic treks and outdoor swims, you can find an event that suits you.
