Women V Cancer Ride the Night brings together hundreds of amazing women from all cycles of life every year in support of people affected by breast, ovarian and cervical cancers. Here, one of our amazing Women V Cancer supporters, Maggie Lowe, shares her story and why she has decided to Ride the Night and raise funds for women's cancers in 2019.
Last year, my partner’s daughter, Rachel, aged 36 at the time, was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were all very concerned for her, as she then had a long uphill struggle of an operation, followed by months of gruelling treatment, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Then came further, happy news – she was pregnant with her first baby. The operation and chemotherapy treatment still went ahead and a date for her baby to be induced was scheduled for Boxing Day 2018. However, Lily had other ideas and arrived on 17th December, weighing 5lbs 6oz.
After a few weeks, Rachel’s chemotherapy resumed and completed. After a month off any treatment, she will have her radiotherapy and, hopefully, that will be that and she can get on with being a mummy to Lily without having to spend half her time at hospitals.
Now, I can’t solve the problem of Rachel having breast cancer, but I can do some fundraising. So, I’ve got out my bicycle and I've been training twice a week, using the training programme and at the grand old age of 66, I shall be ready for the challenge on the night of Saturday 25 May!!
And that is the reason for my ride. I'm also riding in support of all the other ladies I know, who have been through similar treatment for breast, ovarian and cervical cancer and have survived.
I'm so proud of Rachel for her attitude towards the disease, as well as all her family.
Every time I'm out in my bike (no matter the weather) I think of why I'm doing it. I'm sure all the other riders have their own special story.
Maggie Lowe training in the countryside for Women V Cancer Ride the Night 2019
What is Women V Cancer Ride the Night?
Over the last five years, thousands of women have cycled 100km through London at night and raised over £6 million for Women V Cancer, which brings together Breast Cancer Now, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. Through the combined work of these three incredibly important charities, Women V Cancer is committed to supporting the thousands of people across the UK who are sadly affected by women’s cancers and researching into developing effective treatments and cures for ovarian, breast and cervical cancers.
In summer 2019, Ride the Night is back for its sixth year, not just in London but in Edinburgh as well! With a second city in 2019, we hope to get even more people involved so we can make an even bigger impact in a cause that grows ever more critical.
Thank you very much to Maggie and to all the ladies already registered for Ride the Night 2019 - it's always an amazing, inspiring and incredibly emotional night and we can't wait to see you there.
Find out more about Women V Cancer Ride the Night Edinburgh and London on the challenge web pages.
By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our website's use of cookies to provide you with the most relevant experience by remembering your cookie preferences. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide controlled consent Read our cookie policy.
