Miles Thomas of Four Marks is to cycle the 305km Dragon Devil Challenge in the Brecon Beacons after being inspired by his wife’s brain tumour diagnosis.
On 10th June, Miles (41), aims to complete the gruelling cycle challenge in under 13 hours. Climbing a staggering 13,000ft in height in the process, Miles plans to do all of this on a Mango single-speed bike.
The Dragon Devil Challenge is the longest of the four cycling challenges that make up the annual Dragon Ride in South Wales.
Miles’ wife, Lisa, was diagnosed last June with a grade 4 glioblastoma cancerous brain tumour. Since then he has raised over £7,000 so far towards funds for vital research into this devastating disease.
The diagnosis turned life for them both and their two young children upside down. Lisa has endured two 10-hour brain surgeries and gruelling rounds of radio and chemotherapy.
Miles said: ”I want to give Lisa the best support and help The Brain Tumour Charity continue their excellent work in funding research, reducing diagnosis times, raising awareness and aiding those suffering.”
By coincidence, the company Miles works for, TAG Farnborough Airport, choose to support The Brain Tumour Charity as their charity corporate partner of the year.
A keen cyclist since his early 20s, Miles first tried no-gear bike riding while taking on Ride London event back in 2016.
Miles said of the Dragon Devil: “They’ll be loads of others taking part and we may get spread out as the challenge goes on but there will be a huge buzz about the whole event, even when the riders thin out on later parts of the course. I’ve just got to stay focused on keeping hydrated and keeping warm.
Geraldine Pipping, The Charity’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Every year, 11,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour – that’s 30 a day – and our five-year research strategy A Cure Can’t Wait aims to double survival within 10 years and halve the harm caused by brain tumours on quality of life.”
“We receive no government funding and rely 100% on voluntary donations, so it’s only through the efforts of people like Miles, and all his family and friends, that we can change these shocking statistics in the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year.”
To find out more about Miles’ Dragon Ride attempt and to donate see: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/miles4lisa
