Grandfather with cancer aims to cycle 1,700 miles

Frank McEwan is set to repeat his cycling challenge at Rutland Water - three years after he first completed the ride

A grandfather with incurable cancer plans to cycle around Rutland Water 100 times, three years after he completed the same challenge.

Frank McEwan, from Uppingham, first cycled the 1,700 mile distance in 2021 to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The 77-year-old has now decided to repeat the challenge in aid of Leicester Hospitals Charity, as he receives chemotherapy at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Mr McEwan said he hopes to complete the feat faster than he did three years ago and is "very excited" to start on Sunday.

Mr McEwan, a former army sergeant, was diagnosed with cancer of the lung, kidney and thorax in 2018 before he was told his condition was incurable in February 2020.

He said he began cycling around Rutland Water while he recovered from having one of his lungs removed and was inspired by Sir Captain Tom Moore to complete his challenge of cycling around the reservoir.

"I loved every minute of it because the people that I’ve met have just been lovely," he added.

Mr McEwan has named this challenge Papa's 100 Bike Ride - Part 2

Mr McEwan said he regularly visits the Leicester Royal Infirmary's chemotherapy ward, where he spends up to seven hours receiving treatment.

He said if a treatment bench is not available, he is forced to sit upright, which is "not very pleasant".

He hopes his fundraiser, which will start on Sunday morning from the Horse and Jockey pub, will help the hospital buy more treatment benches.

"I’m very excited," Mr McEwan said. "Because I’ve already had messages from people who are going to turn up on Sunday."

He originally took up cycling after a heart attack at the age of 42, when a doctor advised it would be a good way to stay fit.

Mr McEwan added: "It keeps me active. It gets you out of the house and doing something."

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