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Man Devastated By Loss Organises Brain Tumour Research Randonnee

A man who has raised more than £40,000 for charity is calling on people to join an Isle of Wight cycling challenge to help find a cure for brain tumours.

Simon Tier, 53, from Fareham, is organising the fourth annual Brain Tumour Research Randonnee which will take place around the Isle of Wight on Sunday 18 July. He was motivated to raise funds for the charity having lost four friends to the disease in five years.

He said: 

“It’s not until someone close to you is diagnosed with a brain tumour that you realise what a devastating and indiscriminate disease this is. It is awful. I had no idea that brain tumours killed more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

“After learning that, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease, I was determined to do what I could to help make a difference.

“I organised the first Brain Tumour Research Randonnee in 2017 and, apart from last year when the event had to be cancelled due to COVID-19, it has run annually and grown steadily. We’re trying to get as many people from different clubs and areas, as well as on the Isle of Wight, involved as possible this year.”

The Randonnee will see cyclists ride a 68-mile route, climbing 4,000ft and taking in multiple beauty spots around the Isle of Wight. Riders looking for a tougher challenge can sign up to the Ultra, circling the Island both clockwise and anti-clockwise.

New for 2021, there is also a shorter route of just over 40 miles and less than 3,000ft of climbing — ideal for those undertaking their first distance challenge.

Simon Tier
Simon Tier (pictured front) is organising the fourth Brain Tumour Research Randonnee

Simon added: 

“There really are very few places in the UK that are like the Isle of Wight. The route is stunning. One moment you’re in countryside, the next you’re overlooking the Channel, then a moment later you find yourself down in the hustle and bustle of Cowes. There are so many iconic views and beautiful scenery all the way round. Plus, the roads are very recently tarmacked which is a bonus for cyclists!

“We’re really looking forward to getting back out there for another day of fantastic fundraising. I hope lots of people will be inspired to put on their helmets to help raise vital funds and awareness to help find a cure.”

Melanie Tiley, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: 

“Simon has been a fantastic supporter of the charity for a number of years now and we are very grateful for his dedicated commitment to our cause.

“We wish all the cyclists taking part the best for their challenge and hope that lots of people will get involved and help raise funds to support us in our mission to find a cure for this devastating disease.”

The registration fee to take part in the Brain Tumour Research Randonnee is £25 and a sponsorship target of £100 is suggested. Every finisher will receive a medal — and fundraisers who raise £200 or more will receive a free Brain Tumour Research cycling jersey.

To register for the Brain Tumour Research Randonnee 2021, please visit: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/237240/The-Brain-Tumour-Research-Randonnee-2021

 

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