Surgeon cycles to Paris for cancer fundraiser

Surgeon Jenny Smith will cycle from London to Paris to raise money for cancer services in Grimsby and Scunthorpe

A surgeon is to cycle from London to Paris to raise money for services for cancer patients in northern Lincolnshire.

Consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon Jenny Smith will take part in the 323-mile London to Paris Cycle over three days later this month.

She will be raising funds for The Pink Rose Suite at Grimsby Hospital, which cares for people who use its breast imaging and diagnostic service.

Ms Smith is also raising funds for Bosom Family Support, which runs Hope House, in Scunthorpe, which cares for patients and families affected by all types of cancer.

Ms Smith hopes to raise awareness of how exercise can help prevent cancer

Ms Smith said by completing the challenge she hoped to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise in fighting cancer.

"Research shows that people who exercise are less likely to get cancer, and are more likely to stay healthy during and after treatment," she said.

“Exercise also has a positive impact on the mental health of both patients and their loved ones on a cancer journey. It doesn't have to be cycling; any form of exercise, like walking with a loved one undergoing treatment or trying chair-based exercises, can make a difference.”

Ms Smith, who works on The Pink Rose Suite, will begin the challenge in East Molesley in Surrey and cycle to Folkestone to embark the ferry.

She will then cycle from Calais to Amiens, before travelling to Paris and finishing at the Eiffel Tower.

“I have done rides before but this will be the furthest I have cycled," she said.

"It’s always a bit more challenging when it’s colder and windier, so I’m hoping the weather will be good. I’ve been doing three rides a week and a longer one at the weekend to prepare.”

Ms Smith is due to complete the challenge between 13 and 15 June.

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