Cyclist Takashi Ikeda, 30 from Chelmsford has completed an incredible challenge for HRCC raising over £1,000!
Starting on 30th June 2022, Takashi cycled solo for eight days from Chelmsford, Essex all the way to Edinburgh; an astonishing grand total of 448 miles (720 km) to raise money for us.
Takashi explains; “I cycled continuously for eight days so I didn’t have time to rest and recover from fatigue! There was a moment I woke up in the morning and wanted to stay in bed longer, but I reminded myself the purpose of this challenge, which gave me a reason to get up and start a new day.
I lost my mum in 2018 – she was cheerful, made people laugh and pulled people together, so my life without her is very difficult. She was like the sun in the solar system for me – imagine how humans, animals and plants could survive without the sun? That is how I felt.
Her loss made me realise that I’d like to contribute to this world and the wellbeing of people, by spreading the message to as many people as I can that illnesses such as cancer, diabetes or stroke can kill anyone you love. For illnesses, prevention, early detection and treatment is vital. It all requires awareness. This is the initiative that encouraged me to fundraise and raise awareness of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity by sharing my experience.
My father-in-law, Rick Thompson, already volunteered for the charity and I lost my Aunt due to cancer when I was a child so it was an easy decision to choose Helen Rollason Cancer Charity to support. I initially took part in their Ride for Helen cycling event in May this year. I enjoyed it so much it inspired me to go on a solo cycling trip to Edinburgh to raise more funds!
On 7th July 2022, I finished my solo cycling trip to Edinburgh; 448 miles with at least 28,589 feet/ 8,713 meters elevation gain, without any injury and accident thankfully. I stopped at Peterborough, Nottingham, Kirkburton, Ingleton, Penrith, Carlisle, Hawick and Edinburgh. There were so many highlights of this cycling challenge; the views from the top of the hills in the Yorkshire Dales are unforgettable! People even cheered me on from their houses, cars and the pavement as I was cycling up the hills. I felt a great sense of accomplishment, pleasure and contentment that I hadn’t felt for a very long time.”
Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Head of Marketing and Fundraising Zoe Jay said; “What an incredible accomplishment for Takashi! We are so grateful for his support and raising over £1,000 which will go towards supporting those living with cancer. This donation alone will fund 20 counselling appointments or 20 reflexology sessions for our clients.
Our Support Centres offer a range of complementary therapies to patients in an environment of peace and tranquillity, including counselling, reflexology, aromatherapy, manual lymphatic drainage and support groups. We support men and women with all types of cancer at all stages – whether newly diagnosed or longer-term, throughout treatment and after treatment is completed.
The work we do really does make a difference…
“Helen Rollason Cancer Charity has helped me feel less stressed and I now have somewhere safe to go where I know I will be looked after, cared for and listened to. I would definitely recommend HRCC to others who are living with cancer.”
We’re a local charity serving our local community, and every penny raised at this event will go towards ensuring we continue to provide the best possible cancer care now and in the future.”
To find out more about challenges in aid of our charity click here.
