A KNUTSFORD dad is taking on an epic 240-mile cycling challenge to support a charity helping families affected by childhood cancers.
Craig Blain and his family have been supported by Northwich-based charity The Joshua Tree after his son Harry was diagnosed with leukaemia.
And after his daughter, and Harry's little sister, Olivia suggested he do something to show his gratitude, Craig has been working behind the scenes with the charity to launch a new fundraising event.
Now, to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, The Joshua Tree has unveiled its Giraffe to Giraffe multi-stage cycle ride, which will take place from September 13 to September 15.
Fourteen riders will be setting off from the giraffe enclosure in London Zoo and travelling to the giraffe enclosure at Chester Zoo, all to raise vital funds for the charity and raise awareness of its services.
Among the group of riders are beneficiaries of the charity, support riders and television doctor Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi.
Each participant will be united in a shared purpose on their inspiring journey: to thank The Joshua Tree for its support during their family’s cancer diagnosis and raise awareness of how the charity can support others going through a similar trauma.
Craig will be one of the riders taking part, supported by his family and Harry who, despite living with leukaemia, remains a caring and generous boy, a passionate Liverpool FC fan, and is recognised for his positive attitude.
He said: “Things don’t necessarily get easier over time, more that you learn to understand and engage with the support around you to live with cancer in a way that works for your child and the family.
"The Joshua Tree plays an important role in our support system and is why I want to help them in the way that I can, through this ride."
The Joshua Tree continues to play a significant role in Harry's journey, as well as his little sister Olivia, who receives sibling support for her wellbeing and was the inspiration for the ride.
The challenge was born when she asked her dad, 'why don't you ride your bike to feed the giraffes to say thank you?'.
The giraffe, a largely silent animal, holds a special place in The Joshua Tree’s logo, symbolising the child, who has no voice or say in being affected by cancer.
Craig added: "While the ride is certainly a formidable challenge, it pales in comparison to the monumental journey children must undertake when confronted with a cancer diagnosis."
The ride will be split into three 80-mile stages, the first of which begins at London Zoo on September 13 and finishes at Towcester.
Donations from the ride will make a significant impact on the families The Joshua Tree supports as just £50 could pay for a counselling or therapy session for a family member.
If £500 is raised, that can fund one activity event for families at the purpose-built support centre near Northwich, which opened in 2021.
More than £2,000 raised will pay for year-long counselling support for a child with cancer, while more than £5,000 can fund comprehensive support for a beneficiary family during their time with the charity.
Should more than £25,000 be raised, this could fund a family support worker at the charity for a year.
Richard Driffield, CEO at The Joshua Tree, said: "Our upcoming 240-mile cycling event is more than just a fundraiser; it celebrates the resilience of the families we support and raises awareness of those affected by childhood cancers.
"I am proud The Joshua Tree continues to make a real difference for families, it is an honour to support them, and we do all we can to help during the demanding journey of cancer treatment.
"Thank you to everyone involved in organising the cycle, we are excited for it and invite you all to join us in making a profound difference."
Donations can be made via The Joshua Tree Giraffe to Giraffe JustGiving page here: justgiving.com/campaign/giraffetogiraffe.
For more information on the charity and the fundraising challenge, please visit thejoshuatree.org.uk.
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