Cristian Cussen

[p][b]One in two people are estimated to get cancer in their lifetime.[/b] Twelve months ago, I was diagnosed with stage II testicular cancer, and after surgery and extensive chemotherapy am now in remission. I now want to help reduce these numbers and improve outcomes for the unlucky half. Last Friday, 14 June, I joined a group of local primary school parents,[b] and cycled from London to Amsterdam in 24 hours to raise money for cancer research.[/b][/p][p]In addition to asking for your support (it is [b][u]not too late[/u][/b] to donate!), [b]I also called for anyone—on any bike, anywhere—to also cycle on 14 June for cancer research. [/b]I was thrilled to learn of people cycling to work, or hopping on a stationary bike, and dedicating this effort to cancer research.[b] [/b][url=https://cancerresearchride.org/]https://cancerresearchride.org/[/url] [/p][p][b]This was a major challenge and milestone for me[/b]. I’m still recovering from the side effects of treatment, such as lung damage, and nerve damage in my hands and feet. It is still painful to walk, and before cancer I'd never cycled more than the eight miles to work. Overcoming the adversity of cancer is helping me unlock my inner potential.[/p][p]To ensure our fundraising is put to good use, [b]I've partnered with the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research.[/b] In 2018, ten million people died from cancer. There are over 100 cancer types, and the outcome for most remains bleak. If we meet our ambitious goal, we can fund two research scholarships. Half our goal can cover vital research equipment. [/p][p]Riding alongside me were a group of parents in support of our childrens' primary school, and its collaboration with Rusuzumiro School in Rwanda. Deep budget cuts in UK education are forcing parents like us—all across the country—to close this dire gap. 15% of total donations will go towards the schools.[/p][p][b]Thank you for your support.[/b] I am still alive thanks to cancer research. Though much work needs to be done on helping patients through the mental challenges of cancer—a topic I care deeply about and have ideas and plans for—there is an urgent need to further research prevention, and develop new and improved treatments.[/p][p][img][/img][/p]