FROME couple, Claire and Jason Eacott, will take part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 at the end of the month, to raise money for Cancer Research UK after Claire’s dad was diagnosed with cancer last year.
Jason had already signed up to take part in the event but after Claire’s dad became ill, he suggested that Claire should push herself to do something out of her comfort zone and sign up to do it with him.
Claire said, “My parents went on holiday to Majorca on the 1st of October and the evening they arrived, my dad was in hospital following a blood clot to his bowels (due to the blood cancer). I travelled out the next day to be with them, and my dad had emergency surgery; we were given the news that he may not make it. He underwent lots of surgery whilst in Majorca and spent weeks on ITU (intensive therapy unit). Eventually, on the 10th November, he was transferred home via air ambulance to the RUH Bath, where he had more surgery and again was on ITU for a time.
“We as a family did not think that he would make it but eventually, just before Christmas 2016, he was discharged home. He is waiting further surgery, which has its risk, but he takes each day as it comes and we are so very glad to have him home. I wanted to do this ride for him and to give me something to train for and hopefully achieve.”
Jason said, “I have always wanted to do RideLondon. I try to ride regularly and have completed a few sport events including 100 miles in the New Forest and the Rat Race Dirty weekend which is a 20- mile obstacle course with 200 obstacles. When we found out that Claire’s dad was seriously ill, I suggested to Claire that she also pushed herself out of her comfort zone and join me in doing the RideLondon, so that we could both raise money for Cancer Research. I agreed that I would help her train for it and help her. So far we have done a fair bit of training together and have been spinning most weeks and we haven’t had a single crossed word when we have been out together!
“I’m looking forward to it and riding with so many people and I’m hoping to achieve a good time, but I know that this may not be possible as so many things can go wrong on the day. The most important thing for me is that we both finish and raise as much money as possible for this worthy cause because cancer affects so many of us. I cannot wait to see Claire’s face when she goes over the finish line or for her to see mine if she finishes before me!”
Claire added, “I have always socially cycled but never 100 miles! I started cycling properly in January this year, building up on my miles and trying to get faster. In April I completed the Spring Sportive in the New Forest, completing 66 miles. Jason has been encouraging me and going out with me on rides, but on the day I want to just complete it and raise as much money as I can.
“Aside from the challenge, we wanted to help raise money for Cancer Research UK as the more we can learn about cancer the better the outcome for so many. We would like to raise £700 and fingers crossed, we will meet our target.
“I am nervous about the ride having never ridden 100 miles before and the amount of people that will be watching. I would have loved my children to be there watching, but unfortunately there is no-one to take them, so they will have to watch it on the television. I still have doubts as it is a long time to be on your bike, but I am looking forward to it and it’s good to know that hopefully Jason will be there waiting when I cross the line on the Mall.”
You can donate to Claire and Jason’s efforts at www.justgiving.com/fund raising/claire-eacott2017
