Training has now begun for CooperBurnett’s epic 2019 ‘charity challenge’ which will see a team cycle from London to Paris is just 24 hours – a ride which would usually be undertaken in three to four days.
Four members of the group got together last weekend and cycled 20 miles together, with the plan to steadily increase these rides over the next few months. This will build confidence on the road, while there will also be gym sessions to increase strength and help get cycle fit.
Those team members who don’t feel up to the road trip to Paris are being given the opportunity to take part in a relay race on a static bike in the CooperBurnett office to see which team ‘gets to Paris’ first.
This fundraising challenge is raising money to support a young man called Oli Hilsdon who needs vital treatment for brain cancer.
Oli, who is Associate Solicitor Katie Hilsdon’s cousin, had just graduated from Cambridge when, in August 2014, he had a seizure completely out of the blue. Tests were run and he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour and given the devastating prognosis of 12 to 18 months to live.
Oli proved the doctors wrong and, after undergoing treatment was given the all clear. He then went on to fundraise for brain tumour research himself, including running the London Marathon in 2016.
Unfortunately, last year more tests revealed the tumour had returned and Oli has recently undergone brain surgery to remove the affected tumour and has embarked on more chemotherapy treatment.
Oli’s oncologist would like him to receive a vaccine made from a culture developed from the tumour they have removed (DC Vax-L) and now the family are looking to fund this vaccine, which is not available on the NHS.
His Mother, Jayne, says: “Oli is the most positive person I know. Not once has he complained about his treatment or said ‘why me’. He leaves a little bit of his heart with every person he meets.”
Click here to find out more and support CooperBurnett in its fundraising for Oli: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/olisfund
