A Decade of Ride For Helen ā and a Personal Milestone
Graeme’s story
In 2024 Graeme joined Helen Rollason Cancer Charityās cycle ride ā the popular āRide For Helenā which was in its 10th year.Ā At the age of 50, Graeme cycled 50 miles in 3 hours and 41 minutes and raised over Ā£2,800 for the charity.Ā Each year hundreds of cyclists join Ride For Helen and pedal through the Essex countryside raising money for the charity.Ā
However, for Graeme it was a challenge in 2024.Ā He had throat cancer and, just a few days after the cycle event, he underwent surgery. Ā He continues to support Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and in 2025 he pushed himself further and cycled the 65 miles route. Graeme is still undergoing monitoring for cancer but he is determined to keep cycling and maintain his health.
Why I Ride ā In Graemeās Words
Graeme told us:
āI have taken part in the Ride For Helen events for a number of years ā sometimes with family and at other times on my own.Ā These events give me a goal to train for.Ā I need a reason to get out and cycle, which in turn improves my physical and mental health.
When I started out, I would choose the lower mileage cycle routes and I worked up to being comfortable with 30 miles.Ā This was enough to be challenging without causing too much recovery post-event.
For 2024 I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and tackle the 50 miles event.Ā I also turned 50 that year ā on the same day as Ride For Helen ā so there was no question really. Ā I also received my second cancer diagnosis at the start of 2024 and had surgery two days after the cycle event.Ā Doing the event in 2024 was really important to me and certainly helped with my mental preparedness too.
The Link Between Physical and Mental Health
I firmly believe that, in the same way you may choose to exercise to improve your physical well-being, you also need to work hard to maintain a healthy mental well-being.Ā Having one without the other can only provide half of the benefit.Ā Helen Rollason is, in my view, there to offer the support and provide the āmental scaffoldingā for people when they need it most.Ā In the same way that health care services look to treat the cancer, the services provided by Helen Rollason treat and support mental health aspects such as reducing anxiety through reassurance and providing a safe environment to focus on āyouā.
A Calm Space to Heal and Reflect
The need for the services provided by Helen Rollason is increasing with more people being diagnosed with cancer and at younger ages.Ā The more people are aware of what Helen Rollason Cancer Charity has to offer, the greater the benefits their services can provide.
Walking into the centre in Hatfield Peverel feels like leaving the busy day-to-day at the door ā it is a calm and peaceful environment.Ā I was surprised at the number of privacy-respecting treatment rooms that are available, all maintained to a high standard.Ā As well as specific treatment spaces there is a lovely outdoor garden and seating area for more informal chats.Ā Having a facility like this is a real asset.
Looking Ahead: Whatās Next for Graeme?
I plan to continue to support Helen Rollason in the future by continuing with the Ride For Helen annual cycle events.Ā I was very lucky in 2024 in having so many generous supporters who donated such an amazing amount to help with the costs of such a worthwhile and well needed local facility.Ā
“I may not wait until I am 100 to take on the challenge of the 100 miles route though!ā
Ride for Helen 2026
Inspired by Graemeās story? Join hundreds of cyclists and take part in the next Ride For Helen ā whether itās 6 miles or 100, every pedal stroke helps support people living with cancer.
Support Us
Support Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and help us continue providing vital care and support. Every donation makes a difference.
