Leeds friends' bike hike raises top sum for two-year old with cancer

After Paul and Jodie Brown’s two-year-old son Arlo was diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia, the Anthony Nolan charity proved a a lifeline.

In recognition of the charity's role, lose family friend Chris Tudor, with work colleagues, and Arlo’s dad, set out on a 143-mile bike ride along the Liverpool to Leeds Canal to raise funds.

The charity provides life-saving treatment for Arlo’s rare form of leukaemia along with support for families, and research work.

Their recent challenge was an 18-hour battle through shocking weather for the cyclists, but everyone made the finish line, raising an ultimate £9,753.

Chris, who was joined by colleagues at Tudor Financial Consultants and Tudor Sales and Lettings, in Garforth for the ride, said: “We underestimated just how difficult 143 miles in the wind, rain and mud – with a few mechanical issues along the way – would be!

“But we all managed to complete it for little Arlo and the battle that he is currently fighting. We’d like to thank all our main sponsors, people who donated and also the people that helped along the way.”

Jodie and Paul Brown said: “Arlo is very well at home, there is still a long road to recovery, but he is on the right path.

"We have had the happiest news from his consultant...he has 100 per cent donor cells, and his bone marrow tests are negative, there is no mutation, so it’s highly unlikely the leukaemia will return.

“The best news we had been waiting to hear.”

Anthony Nolan recruits people aged 16-30 to the stem cell register. It costs £40 to recruit each potential donor to the register, so financial support is vital.

Visit www.anthonynolan.org