Kenilworth friends saddle up for two-wheeler to Paris

Ian Hancock and Stuart Insall will complete the challenge of a lifetime when they join hundreds of cyclists to pedal their way from London to the French capital.

The 44-year-old friends have entered Cure Leukaemia’s epic ride, ‘London 2 Paris: Inspiring the Revolution’.

Organised by former England footballer and charity patron, Geoff Thomas, the race is part of his mission to raise £2million in the battle against the disease.

And to keep Kenilworth’s input on the challenge strong, the school friends have enlisted the help of friend Peter Jones from Cycle SOS to sponsor the trip and help get through a gruelling training regime.

Setting off on Thursday, 300 riders including Kenilworth’s fundraising duo will cover up to 80 miles a day to make it across the finish down the Champs-Élysées.

Explaining the passion driving him to do his bit, Ian, a director at Miromedia, said after his 81-year-old mother was diagnosed with the illness, nothing is too much if it makes other lives easier.

“I was asked if I wanted to take part and was absolutely interested right away,” he said.

“This is a very personal cause as my mother was diagnosed with a rare strain of Hodgkin Lymphoma in August. She was treated as Coventry University Hospital and so I know how much Cure Leukaemia needs continued support and funding.

“The fantastic care and level of support she was provided with was extraordinary.

“She is now in remission, I am so proud of her and absolutely delighted to be able to give something back.”

And he said although he has never cycled such a distance, it will be a real challenge which he cannot wait to start.

He will be joined along the distance by fellow town businessman and lifelong friend, Stuart - who he said, despite being less experienced over such a distance on two wheels, has put in the hours to bring in charity cash.

Stuart, who owns the The Kenilworth Hotel and cocktail bar, is also a spin instructor at The Warwickshire which he hopes will help him on his way to pedalling across the country. The friends will set off on June 18, with hope of arriving in Paris four days later.

Follow #ianhancock on Twitter for live updates.

To sponsor the pair, go online here or here