Cyclists to tow 500 white roses for cancer charity

Harry and Charlie Tanfield set off on their 250-mile challenge on Monday

Two professional cyclists will tow a trailer of 500 white roses from North Yorkshire to London to raise awareness about regional cancer inequalities.

Charlie and Harry Tanfield, who lost their mother to the disease in 2019, are taking on the two-day challenge to support a Yorkshire Cancer Research campaign to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

A report by the charity said Yorkshire "consistently had significantly higher cancer incidence and mortality rates" when compared to other regions over the last two decades.

"Cycling these white roses to Westminster is our way of standing up for Yorkshire and making sure the region gets the support it urgently needs," said Harry, 30.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is urging the government to consider a "re-prioritisation" of funding and resources ahead of the publication of the Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) National Cancer Plan later this year.

The charity said Yorkshire received less than 5% of research funding, despite making up 8% of the UK population.

Between them, the Tanfield brothers, from Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, have won Olympic, Commonwealth, World and European medals during their careers so far.

Their latest challenge, the 250 mile (400km) ride, will begin at the Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre in Harrogate on Monday.

Charlie, 28, said they both were "ultra motivated to try and help other people in Yorkshire".

"It's a charity really close to our hearts and we really want to raise awareness for the disproportionate funding for Yorkshire," he said.

"This is the best way in which we can do that."

The white roses will be a mix of paper flowers crafted by Whitby-based artist Sophie Longhurst and other handmade flowers contributed by the charity's employees and volunteers.

"This campaign is about making sure Yorkshire's voice is heard in Westminster," said Dr Kathryn Scott, Yorkshire Cancer Research's chief executive.

The DHSC previously said the forthcoming National Cancer Plan would set out how to improve survival rates and address the variation between different cancer types.

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