Teenager Steven gears up for Wirral Bikeathon after grandfather’s leukaemia diagnosis

Jun 10 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

A BEBINGTON teenager is gearing up for the Wirral Bikeathon to raise money for the charity helping his grandfather fight a rare form of leukaemia.

Steven Wright, 14, signed up for the charity fundraiser, which takes place on Sunday, June 14, to support grandad John, who was recently told he has hairy cell leukaemia.

More than 10,000 cyclists have helped Leukaemia Research raise £465,000 through the event over the last 10 years.

Now organisers hope the 11th Bikeathon will see them pedal past the half million mark.

Steven’s mum Hazel said: “We were in shock when we heard my dad has leukaemia, especially as he’s never suffered ill health in the past.

“When Steven heard about the Bikeathon he signed up straightaway. He's been out on his bike every day and persuading all our friends to sponsor him. I'm so proud of him – he loves helping people and he's set on raising as much as he can.”

The event starts in Arrowe Country Park, Upton at 9.30am. Entrants can choose from a 13-mile or 26-mile route.

All sponsorship raised will help Leukaemia Research fund better treatments and cures for people with leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma

Ernie Macaulay, chairman of the Wirral branch of Leukaemia Research says: "Everyone from eight to over 80 can take part in our event and we guarantee you'll have a great day.”

To register contact 327 3129, or visit www.wirralbikeathon.org.uk. Entry fees are £8 for adults or £4 for under 16s.

Under 16s must have a parent's permission to take part.