Get involved Andrew Massey, 48, from Sutton Coldfield, will undertake the gruelling challenge in September in honour of his 16-year-old son Richard, who died
in March. Richard, a pupil at Fairfax School, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in January 2008 and underwent chemotherapy treatment for the first half of the year. In October he suffered a relapse and had to have a bone marrow transplant, but suffered complications following the operation. He passed away on March 10. Friends and family have since raised thousands of pounds in his memory, including funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust’s new unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital where Richard was treated. Mr Massey said: “During his time there the haematology and oncology unit based at the University Hospital Birmingham helped to support some of the clinical decisions needed for his care. When the top consultant tells you what a dreadful disease leukaemia is, you get the feeling there is a long way to go to beat this form of cancer. Since Richard’s death we have heard of many others that have lost their battle too.”
Dedicated Andrew has raised over &pound2,500 so far through the cycle event, which is planned for September 9-13.