Alpine challenge (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Alpine challenge

2:34pm Friday 14th August 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

A MAN who beat cancer is to take on one of the toughest amateur cycling challenges in the world to raise money for the charity that helped him through his illness.

Ian Mitchelson, 36, was diagnosed with testicular cancer late last year and credits its early detection with his good recovery and progress.

During his recovery, he found help and advice from Orchid Cancer, the only charity in the UK that deals solely with male cancers, and has pledged to raise £10,000 to support its work.

Mr Mitchelson, who is from Northallerton, will compete in the Cent Cols Challenge, an endurance event that will see him ride 120 miles a day through the Alps for ten days, climbing at least ten mountains a day.

More than 40 competitors will take part in an attempt to reach the end of the route, although the difficulty of the challenge means that it is not a race.

“No-one has ever done anything like this before, except for professionals that take part in the Tour de France,” he said.

“I’m getting a bit nervous now, because what seemed like a good idea in February has come round awfully quickly.”

A keen cyclist, Mr Mitchelson, who is a member of Hambleton Road Club, would usually have been competing in road races this summer, but his illness meant he could not train.

“I have ridden 120 miles in a day before, but not for ten days in a row, so it should be interesting,” he said.

“I could only start training again in March, so getting the physical fitness together has been a challenge.”

So far, Mr Mitchelson has raised £6,000 for the charity and hopes to reach his final total by gaining sponsorship for his ride.

He has been supported by his parents, Betty and Ian Mitchelson, of Romanby, who have helped to raise more than £1,500, and by local businesses including Barkers of Northallerton and cycle shop Cowleys.

To donate to Mr Mitchelson’s charity effort, log on to www.bmycharity.com/V2/orchidcentcols.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)