Pontefract to Paris cycle mission after beloved mum's cancer battle

A squad of big-hearted fundraisers are preparing to cycle from Pontefract to Paris and back in aid of charity.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Apr 2018, 09:45 BST
Updated 2nd Apr 2018, 09:50 BST
PEDAL POWER: Chris and Daniel Strutt with wife/mum Tracey; the father and son in training; and a group photo of nine of the 13 cyclists taking part in the Pontefract to Paris ride.PEDAL POWER: Chris and Daniel Strutt with wife/mum Tracey; the father and son in training; and a group photo of nine of the 13 cyclists taking part in the Pontefract to Paris ride.
PEDAL POWER: Chris and Daniel Strutt with wife/mum Tracey; the father and son in training; and a group photo of nine of the 13 cyclists taking part in the Pontefract to Paris ride.

Daniel Strutt, from Thorpe Audlin, organised the 420-mile fundraising ride after his mum, Tracey, was diagnosed with cancer.

Now, as his mum is undergoing treatment, Mr Strutt is saddling up with a team of 13 friends and family, including his dad Chris and brother Matthew, to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support, after seeing first-hand the help they offer families in need.

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They will set off from Pontefract on Friday and aim to reach the French capital in just two days.

Chris and Daniel Strutt who are cycling to Paris,running a marathon and then cycling back to Ponefract to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support . Picturs: Scott MerryleesChris and Daniel Strutt who are cycling to Paris,running a marathon and then cycling back to Ponefract to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support . Picturs: Scott Merrylees
Chris and Daniel Strutt who are cycling to Paris,running a marathon and then cycling back to Ponefract to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support . Picturs: Scott Merrylees

Mum-of-two Mrs Strutt, 49, was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer on March 1, 2016. Her husband, Chris Strutt, said: “There was a lot of complications after the diagnosis and she basically had kidney failure.

“They had to stabilise her before they could treat her for cancer.

“For that first couple of weeks, we went from being a relatively normal family to seeing my wife and the kids’s mother seriously ill, finding out she had incurable cancer and she was suffering from kidney failure.

“It was a bombshell whirlwind.”

Chris and Daniel Strutt who are cycling to Paris,running a marathon and then cycling back to Ponefract to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support . Picturs: Scott MerryleesChris and Daniel Strutt who are cycling to Paris,running a marathon and then cycling back to Ponefract to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support . Picturs: Scott Merrylees
Chris and Daniel Strutt who are cycling to Paris,running a marathon and then cycling back to Ponefract to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support . Picturs: Scott Merrylees

Mr Strutt, 46, said he turned to the charity for support.

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“I went for a bit of advice from Macmillan because I saw a stand at the hospital,” he said

“I found it comforting. There was someone else to talk to because for myself, it was like who do I turn to. They gave me vital support and I wanted to give something back.”

The team are hoping to raise £10,000 and have already reached the £8,000 mark.

Related topics:ParisPontefractMacmillan Cancer Support