A NORTH WEST CANCER SURVIVOR GETS INTO GEAR FOR
CANCER RESEARCH UK’S CYCLE 300
A BLACKPOOL cancer survivor is getting on her bike to highlight Cycle 300, an exciting new fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK.
Sharon Bowie, aged 47 from Bispham, is urging men and women to sign up now and then choose how, when and where to clock up 300 miles on a bike in September.
Cycle 300 is totally flexible. Participants are asked to cycle 300 miles, in September, to raise money for Cancer Research UK but can choose their own routes and pace.
There are many ways to hit the 300-mile mark. Commuters can to notch up ten miles a day on their cycle to work. Weekend enthusiasts can plan epic 75-mile routes through rolling countryside, while gym bunnies can step up the spin classes to hit their target.
Mum-of-two Sharon, who was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in 2016, is a firm believer in the positive benefits of cycling – having previously completed triathlons involving running, swimming and cycling.
Sharon said: “I attribute recovering so well partly to being mentally strong, but also because I was physically fit before I started my cancer journey. Even during my chemotherapy I was still out on my bike until the last cycle when I was just too tired!
“My husband, who has completed IronMan, cycled next to me at my snail’s pace!
“I love being out and about on my bike. I think Cycle 300 is a great fundraising challenge because you can choose how, when and where to do it, so that it fits in with your lifestyle and commitments.”
Sharon is keen to show how taking part in Cycle 300, and raising money to fund Cancer Research UK’s work, can make a crucial difference to people, like her, who are diagnosed with the disease
The primary school teacher was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2016 when she was 44 after discovering a small hard lump in her breast one night. She went to her doctor a couple of weeks later where they explained that it would need further investigations at hospital and made an urgent referral. Tests revealed she had an 8mm mucinous carcinoma.
Sharon said: “I was not expecting the lump to be anything sinister. I was fit and healthy, vegetarian, non-smoker, moderate drinker had breast fed my two children plus we don’t have a significant family history of breast cancer. The risk factors for me were very low.
“It’s made me so aware of the need to be aware and to spot any changes quickly. I was years off being picked up for a routine mammogram and I am so grateful that my cancer was found early and treated swiftly.”
Sharon was treated with a lumpectomy and then had 18 weeks of chemotherapy at Blackpool Victoria Hospital where she was treated with two chemotherapy drugs, Carboplatin and Docetaxel. Cancer Research UK helped to develop these drugs and played a leading role in introducing them in clinical trials.
Sharon was also treated with Herceptin which was injected into her thigh every 3 weeks for a year. After the chemotherapy finished, she had four weeks of weekday radiotherapy, which took place at Rosemere Cancer Centre, in Preston. She is now being treated with a daily tablet of Tamoxifen.
Sharon said: “I had excellent care and treatment from Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The skills and knowledge from the professionals who worked with me were first class. It is a scary time but nobody made me feel my questions or worries were ridiculous.
“Luckily, due to the fact that I was physically active before treatment I was able remain well throughout surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. I had days that were tough but overall the experience was very do-able. Not one that I would have chosen but one that I have gone through and survived!
“Support from family and friends made a tremendous difference. I really am blessed with the people who rallied around me. The texts, phone calls, messages, cards, flowers etc made me feel that people hadn’t forgotten me.
“During the chemo I very much stayed away from people in order that I didn’t pick up any infections so messages really did keep me in the loop of what was going on in the real world. I also had my own little ‘Cancer Crew’ as several of my friends have battled through cancer too.
“They were invaluable at keeping me going and reminding me that the chemo wouldn’t last forever. Everyone was so supportive and the offers of help were overwhelming.
“Life is very different post-cancer, but in many ways life is better! I had some counselling and also some hypnosis sessions to help unburden my mind because I was left physically and emotionally feeling battered and bruised.
“Now I live for the moment and have learnt not to worry about the insignificant niggles of daily life. I live a life where I do things that make me happy, and surround myself with people who I love to be with.”
Sharon, who teaches at Bispham Endowed School, will have the support of her husband Ross and daughters Tilly aged 17 and Lexie aged 14 during her Cycle 300 challenge. Her eldest daughter recently cycled from Bridlington to Blackpool on a charity bike ride and the family all enjoy staying fit and healthy.
Sharon said: “Cycle 300 will give me a September focus although I am sure that it will be tough at times as I am a fair-weather cyclist. My friends and family have all supported my need to remain fit and healthy and I’m never left without a training partner. We spend time ensuring that we remain as well as possible. My job-share and I jog twice a week where we talk about work – it beats sitting at a table as we get to jog by the sea!
“I am indebted to all the research scientists who have worked tirelessly to make those breakthroughs that change lives for the better. But these changes would not be taking places if it wasn’t for people donating to Cancer Research UK. When I was first given my diagnosis over two years ago, I was told that I had ‘curable’ breast cancer which filled me with hope for the future.
“Cycle 300 is the perfect opportunity to combine all benefits of cycling, the thrill of a physical challenge and the fantastic sense of achievement from raising money for a great cause, all at the same time.”
Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Blackpool and the Fylde coast, said: “We are very grateful to Sharon and her family for their support and hope it will start a chain-reaction, sparking the interest of cyclists of all ages and abilities.
“You can sign up to Cycle 300 on your own or make it more social by challenging family, friends and colleagues to join you. It’s a fantastic opportunity to commit to a healthy challenge now, so you have something to aim for in September.”
Taking on Cycle 300 is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of cycling and keeping active. As well as helping to build fitness and burn excess calories, cycling regularly encourages a healthier heart, can improve mood, and can also protect against a range of diseases – including cancer.
Depending on weight and effort, participants could burn roughly between 400 to 750 calories per hour of cycling.
Alison continued: “One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it is with the help of our supporters. By taking part in Cycle 300, men and women can make a real difference in the fight against the disease.
“Everyone who participates in Cycle 300 will be supporting the efforts of doctors, nurses and scientists working on the front line against cancer.”
To sign up now for a free fundraising pack visit www.cruk.org/cycle300
