BUSINESS CONSULTANT TAKES ON CUBAN ADVENTURE IN FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
A Harrogate-based consultancy practice director has saddled up to raise funds to help the fight against cancer in a cycling challenge - around Cuba.
David Loseby, aged 51, of Vault Consulting, will join fellow fund-raisers from around the county on the nine-day expedition to Cuba – in which all proceeds will go towards the £10 million Appeal at Yorkshire Cancer Centre at St James’s University Hospital.
The 5 day bike ride covers nearly 400km and will explore some of Cuba’s most breathtaking scenery and towns and villages which seem suspended in time.
David’s inspiration for joining the challenge comes from his own experiences with cancer. “My mother had cancer a few years ago and was fortunate enough to recover, and I have a friend, a young mother with a young son, who is currently battling hard against the disease – it’s devastating. If I can do something that helps that will be great”.
Cuba holds a fascination for David because of its cultural heritage “Cuba is set to change over the coming years as it opens it’s doors to the Western world and I’m keen to see it now before it changes too much. I also love Classic cars and will be fascinated to see all those old American classics!”
David has already made a start on his fundraising and is making the most of his business contacts to help him reach his target. With regard to fitness he added, “I used to cycle a lot but work is very demanding and hasn’t afforded me the opportunities for keeping as fit more recently. My cycling’s very rusty but having the challenge to work towards will be good motivation for me to get out on my bike again and get stuck into some training”.
The Yorkshire Cancer Centre at St. James’s University Hospital is at the forefront of cancer treatment worldwide, serving a population of 2.6 million people across Yorkshire. The aim of the Centre’s appeal, and fund-raising activities such as Cycle Cuba, is to boost clinical research, buy the latest generation of medical equipment and provide arts and garden projects to enhance the patient environment.
Cycle Cuba is being organised by Julie Patmore who is working on behalf of Yorkshire Cancer Centre as a professional fund-raiser. “Cycle Cuba will be a very special experience for everyone taking part – something to remember forever. You do need to put in some effort fundraising and fitness training but in my experience the sense of achievement on the challenge makes it all worthwhile. If you’ve never done anything like this before and are worried about the fundraising or fitness training I’ll be here to give support and advice - I’ve put together lots of fundraising tips and will only be a phone call away”.
Julie added, “What’s unique about this kind of adventure is the friendship and camaraderie along the way, as it will bring together people of all ages, and from all walks of life from across Yorkshire who want to fight cancer”.
Sheila O’Shea, Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal Director said: ‘’’The Cuba cycle challenge is an important part of our £10 million appeal and I hope it will give supporters the chance to have the experience of a lifetime whilst raising money for the Centre. We need people to join the challenge now so they have plenty of time to be successful with their fundraising.”
“The challenge takes place between November 15 and 23 and you can register now to take part. All you need to secure your place is £300, and then you will need to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship, at least 50% of which will go straight to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre. It really is an experience not to be missed!”
Further information is available from Julie direct on 07803 037439 or emailing her at julie@thepatmores.co.uk or Yorkshire Cancer Centre’s website www.yorkshirecancercentre.org/yccappeal.
To donate to David Loseby’s Cuba Cycle Challenge online visit www.justgiving.com/davidloseby
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• Further press information from Richard Chew/Nicola Clarke at Different PR 0845 389 2626.