Man with blood cancer to cycle from London to Paris

Hugh and his wife Diana will join more than 150 cyclists on the challenge

A man with blood cancer is due to take on a 478km (300 mile) challenge to cycle from London to Paris to raise funds for a leukaemia charity.

Hugh McClintock, 76, from West Bridgford in Nottinghamshire, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in 2017.

Together with his wife Diana, 74, said he will be raising money for the charity Cure Leukaemia.

A charity spokesperson said he was "full of admiration" for the couple.

Mr McClintock said he first realised something might be wrong when he returned from a walking holiday and he had a reddening of his legs which he initially thought was from his walking boots.

He was diagnosed with Stage 1 CLL, before the cancer progressed to Stage 2 in March 2022 - for which he has been receiving treatment for ever since.

He is being treated at Nottingham City Hospital at one of Cure Leukaemia's Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) Centres.

'A great feeling'

The challenge is due to take place between 8-12 June, when the couple are joining over 150 other cyclists.

He said: "I am sure it will be a great experience for us both.

"The sight of Paris and cycling up to the Eiffel Tower as part of a team will be tremendous and a great feeling.

"I am a regular cyclist and have been for many years.

"Since retiring 16 years ago, I use my bike most days.

"I regard keeping up cycling as very important for my physical health and that is all part of managing my treatment, in addition to my medication."

Cure Leukaemia chief executive James McLaughlin said: "We are always thrilled with the amount of people who sign up for our London 2 Paris cycle each year.

"I am full of admiration for Hugh and his wife, Diana.

"To not only be tackling the challenge of cycling nearly 500km across the four days, but to be battling blood cancer at the same time is just astonishing."