Sponsored bike ride will raise funds for u003ca href=u0022https://braintumourresearch.orgu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eBrain Tumour Researchu003c/au003e
Andy Morris will set off today (20 September), joined by teams of colleagues and friends who will travel the length of the Loire Valley in France.
This is not a paywall. Registration allows us to enhance your experience across Construction Management and ensure we deliver you quality editorial content.
Registering also means you can manage your own CPDs, comments, newsletter sign-ups and privacy settings.
While recovering from surgery to remove the tumour, Morris suffered a seizure in November 2023 that resulted in him fracturing his spine in two places.
As part of his recovery, he is being monitored with regular scans which show his tumour is stable and he remains on life-long anti-seizure medication.
Extra Mile Challenge
The charity bike ride is part of the annual Extra Mile Challenge, now in its 22nd year.
Morris will be joined by two teams of riders from Ashe Construction, alongside four teams from Red Construction, and a team from construction framework specialist Pagabo.
Commenting on the cycle challenge, Morris said: “I got back in the saddle in May this year after a year off due to my symptoms, which made being on a bike unsafe.
"I’ve not ridden a bike for more than an hour or two since breaking my back. I don’t know how I’ll feel during the challenge trying to cycle 60 miles each day, but I’m determined to do my bit.
“I wasn’t allowed to lift anything or bend forward, which meant I had to completely remove myself from any exercise other than physio to help strengthen my body. I’m very used to being active, and part of a running club, so it was hard for me to take time away from exercising.”
Raising awareness
Morris added that he considers himself lucky, despite a high chance that his tumour will grow back. He is now committed to helping to support other patients.
“When I read up on brain tumours, I found out about the great work of Brain Tumour Research and was shocked to learn that just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002,” he said.
“That motivated me to help be part of the solution and help raise money and awareness for other patients who face their own diagnosis.”
To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Morris’ Extra Mile Challenge, visit: www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/andy-s-extra-mile-challenge
