Brain Tumours & Brain Cancer Charity – Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust

Four former schoolfriends have joined forces to embark on a grueling 300-mile cycle ride from London to Paris in memory of Alan Pooley, husband and father of two who lived in Wokingham for over 20 years.

Shortly after Alan’s death from a brain tumour in September last year at the age of 57, his son Richard (30) and long-time friends James Mead (31), Ed Titheridge (32) and John Eckert (29), decided they wanted to raise funds for SDBTT to help continue research and care for those with brain tumours.

Richard said, “After seeing what Dad went through during his five-month battle against such an awful disease, the four of us wanted to do something to help relieve the suffering of others and hopefully help get a step closer to finding a cure.

“In Britain, despite the fact that more than 40,000 people die from primary or secondary brain tumours each year, research into the disease lacks financial support and little is known about this form of cancer or how to treat it effectively. We hope we can make a small difference.”

The team has already started a rigorous training schedule ahead of the June ride which starts at Blackheath in London and finishes in Paris four days later.

Ed said, “With busy working lives and the fact that three of us have young children, the training has meant a lot of discipline and commitment, but the cause has given us the motivation to succeed in June.”

The team is looking to raise more than £10,000 for SDBTT.  

Neil and Angela Dickson congratulated the boys on supporting the Trust and wished them the best of luck in June.  

“The work of the Trust would not be possible if it was not for the dedication, commitment and generosity of people like Richard, Ed, James and John. We wish them the best of luck for the ride in June.”

To help them achieve their goal, the team is looking for corporate and individual sponsorship and welcomes any donations. They need to raise 60 per cent of the money before 15th March in order to confirm their place on the ride. Anyone wishing to sponsor them can donate now by visiting www.justgiving.com/MemorialCycletoParis

Best of luck, gentlemen, and thank you very much for your support!