Duo to take on 470km bike ride for leukaemia charity

Two clinicians at the University Hospital of Wales are gearing up for a colossal 470km cycle challenge to raise money for a leading blood cancer charity. 

Haematology trials unit manager Emma Williams and consultant haematologist Dr Ceri Jones will be taking on the ‘London 2 Paris’ bike ride between June 8 and 12 to support Cure Leukaemia’s work in Wales. 

The money they raise will be invested in the Trials Acceleration Programme, known for short as TAP, which is a network of specialist research nurses at 12 blood cancer centres across the UK. 

Their work helps to accelerate setup and delivery of potentially life-saving blood cancer clinical trials, giving patients access to treatments not currently available through standard care. The University Hospital of Wales is the only TAP centre in Wales. 

Emma, who has been training for the ride since December last year, said: “We’re doing this to raise awareness of leukaemia and the ongoing need to fund improvement in treatment and this is a great way of doing that. 

“We both work with leukaemia patients on a daily basis and are committed to doing everything we can to improve the outcomes for all these patients as much as possible. We already feel that research and trials are already making a big difference in this field, and we want to support this going forward. 

“I think we both feel privileged to have a chance to raise money for this amazing cause as we know what a difference the charity makes in treatment for these patients.” 

Emma, a mum-of-two, said she also has a person reason for taking on this challenge, on top of helping to raise funds for vital treatments. 

“My son struggles with fitting in due to his Asperger's and finding people to understand his areas of specialised interests,” she added. “By taking part in this, I am trying to teach him and my daughter to realise that you can put your mind to anything if you feel passionate about something. Those interests should be a blessing not a curse. 

“I am also keen to ride it to show how if you have a passion for something then you can achieve anything that you put your mind to.” 

Ceri said he has been putting in the hard miles ahead of the challenge and added: “I’m looking forward to the weather getting better so that I can get some miles in outside as well as on the turbo trainer. 

“I’m feeling determined to make sure that I’m as fit as possible so that it’s an enjoyable rather than painful journey to Paris.” 

Emma’s friend Carol had lymphoma and sadly succumbed to the disease in June 2021. “Had she been fitter, she may well have been eligible for CAR-T therapy (a type of immunotherapy which involves collecting and using the patients’ own immune cells to treat their condition) that comes with the potential of a cure,” Emma added. 

“As researchers we are here to look for better treatments and in doing so offer better treatment options to our patients, aiming one day for a cure.” 

The TAP network has been funded by Cure Leukaemia since 2020 and costs over £1m per year to maintain. 

Each cyclist taking part in Cure Leukaemia’s ‘London 2 Paris’ have a minimum fundraising total of £1,500 each. More than 150 cyclists are expected to take part over the four days. 

You can help support Emma and Ceri’s fundraising by donating online here. 

For more information about Cure Leukaemia go to: www.cureleukaemia.co.uk