Remember this ? City Banker To Cycle the Tropic of Cancer for Cancer Awareness
There Back!
Press release – 1st September 2009
Double cancer survivor looks set to become the first to cycle round the Tropic of Cancer
For immediate release
Hertfordshire brothers Jon & Dom Wright have reached the Tropic of Cancer aboard their Ridgeback Panorama and Voyager bikes and will now embark on a gruelling 11,000 mile cycle challenge along the Tropic of Cancer in aid of cancer awareness and the importance of early detection of the disease. Jon was given the all clear from two unrelated cases of testicular cancer last year; the 27 year old Jon plans to raise funds for Macmillan, Orchid, Starlight and Willow Foundation.
Having made a full recovery, he and Dom (32) are aiming to cycle round the Tropic of Cancer to raise awareness especially among young professionals – testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men aged between 15 and 44.
Having already completed the first leg of the journey including 6 countries, the boys have cycled over 4,000 miles down through Europe and across Africa. They have now reached the Tropic of Cancer in Muscat, Oman and plan to follow the Tropic eastwards across Asia, Mexico and Cuba. They plan to finish the Plurimi Capital Tropic of Cancer for Cancer challenge (TCC Challenge) in Havana by the summer solstice 2010 (longest day of the year) to signify the long life which can be enjoyed after a diagnosis of cancer.
Insert Massive Sack Joke Here..
Jon left his career in Private Banking at the end of July and intends to write a book of the experience; “I started cycling to regain my fitness after my radiotherapy treatment and then gradually built up further distances until I was commuting to work in the West End from Ware, Hertfordshire. I began to imagine a huge challenge that hasn’t been done before could kick start a huge awareness campaign; it’s my way of getting even with the cancer and creating something positive from the situation.”
Definitely A Before Picture We Reckon.
Using Ridgeback Voyager and Panorama bicycles they are cycling on average 65 miles a day sometimes exceeding 110 miles. “It’s certainly not easy, we’ve had extreme weather to cope with, visa issues and unpaved roads and language barriers to contend with but if our challenge can encourage just one person who may fear something is wrong to act on it then it’s a huge success”. Jon said. The 11,000 mile adventure is estimated to take 9 months in total. The TCC Challenge is supporting four fantastic cancer charities; Macmillan Cancer Support, Orchid, Willow and Starlight.
The brothers are hoping to have raised £100,000 by the time they have crossed the finishing line, Jon also has the added motivation of a fairytale wedding having asked his fiancé to marry him in the Caribbean once the challenge is finished. With successful fundraising parties and sponsorship already having reached over £10,000 they are well on their way. “We have some exciting opportunities we are currently exploring with some strong high street brands which we hope will drive further awareness” Dom added. It is hoped further sponsorship will be raised from corporate and individual donations; “it’s obviously more of a struggle in terms of sponsorship given the current economic climate but we are determined to make a success out of the TCC Challenge”
Jon and Dom can be followed on their on their journey at www.tccchallenge.co.uk and support donations can be made through www.justgiving.com/tccchallenge
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Good luck to them, I hope they raise alot of money.
“it’s obviously more of a struggle in terms of sponsorship given the current economic climate ” that made me laugh coming from a banker
“Jon left his career in Private Banking at the end of July and intends to write a book of the experience” I hope any profit from the book is going to charity also. I hate it when people do things for charity then try and make a money for themslevs off it. It just ruins a selfless act.
Private banking is not investment banking. The press often label people as “City high flyers” when they actually have fairly unremarkable jobs without “City” bonuses. Such wacky bonuses are much less likely in private banking I suspect. Anyway, a very creative idea for a journey – good luck to them.