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Home / Cancer patient to join Sir Chris Hoy’s 90km cycle challenge

Just a year after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer, a Bournemouth restauranteur is set to tackle a 90km charity challenge, led by Sir Chris Hoy.

Mark Cribb, 50, is raising funds for Wessex Cancer Support by taking part in the six-time Olympic gold medallist’s Tour de 4 event on 7th September.

The ride comes 12 months after Mark was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Follicular Lymphoma, an incurable but treatable cancer.

He had been training for a 1,000-mile cycle across the UK before his diagnosis but the Tour de 4 follows a gruelling year involving six rounds of chemotherapy, 12 rounds of radiotherapy and ongoing immunotherapy. Mark has documented his journey in his YouTube blog.

“Since the diagnosis, I’ve only managed about 60 miles on my bike, thanks to spending way too many days in hospital getting treatment. It all makes you pretty knackered!

Everyone at Wessex Cancer Support have been absolute superstars, looking after me with counselling sessions and loads of complementary therapies like reiki and reflexology, and just general love and kindness. They’ve been supporting local people affected by cancer and their families for over 40 years, and I’d love to repay them for all the kindness I’ve received.”

Mark Cribb, Restauranteur and Fundraiser

The Tour de 4 was founded by Sir Chris Hoy to raise awareness and funds for those living with Stage 4 cancer.

The 90km ride will depart from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow. So far, Mark has raised over £1,200 via his fundraising page.

We rely on donations to provide free, local and personalised emotional and wellbeing support to anyone affected by cancer in the Wessex area, with support centres in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, Hythe and the Isle of Wight.

Professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities, support groups and courses, plus a range of online services, are offered.

“We’re all really behind Mark and his determination and desire to raise money for Wessex Cancer Support is inspiring us all.

“Mark’s fundraising efforts will directly support the vital services we provide, helping others in our local community who are facing their own cancer journeys.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Mark and wish him every success for the ride.”

Amanda Ovey, Wessex Cancer Support Regional Fundraiser

To donate to Mark’s page, visit bit.ly/3UyCKuM

Anyone keen to fundraise for Wessex Cancer Support, either by signing up to an event, organising their own event or taking part in a personal challenge, can contact the charity’s fundraising team via fundraising@wessexcancer.org.uk.

Notes to editors  

Wessex Cancer Support provides free, local and personalised emotional support to anyone affected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.  Clients may have cancer themselves, be adjusting to life after cancer, supporting someone with cancer, or be bereaved.  It is a charity which relies on donations to provide this support.

Through its four cancer support centres in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, Waterside (Hythe) and Newport (Isle of Wight), the charity offers a drop-in service, professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities, support groups and courses. It also provides online services so people can access support from the comfort of their own home.

We run services in the heart of the community, including popular Sing for Life choirs and MENtalk.

In 2024, we provided 19,000 client support sessions across its four cancer support centres and more than 15,000 journeys on its Daisy Buses. It provided 1,360 online support sessions. 100% of clients rated the support they received as good or excellent.

Learn more about us here

Contact
Email: media@wessexcancer.org.uk
Tel: 023 8067 2200 [office hours]