Two sons of late cyclist Tony Doyle MBE, a World and European track cycling champion in the 1980s, have completed a 1,000 mile cycle in 10 days in their dad's memory
George and James Doyle from Surrey took on pancreatic cancer - the deadliest common cancer - through a 1,000 mile, 10-day bike ride in memory of their father, Tony Doyle MBE.
Tony, a professional cyclist and two-time world champion, died last year, just four weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, aged 64. They have so far raised more than £12,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK and the brain injury charity, Headway Surrey.
Brothers George and James were joined on the ride by friends Dylan and Jamal. Their mammoth journey began in Ghent on the 15th of August and finished 1,000 miles and 10-days later in Munich.
Along the way, they visited eight of the numerous cities where Tony won Six Day races: Ghent, Maastricht, Cologne, Dortmund, Munster, Bremen, Berlin and Munich, in honour of the late cyclist.
Tony Doyle MBE's racing career brought unmatched success to British track cycling in the 1980s and 90s. He was twice a World Pursuit Champion, four-time European Champion, pioneering British winner of 23 Six Days and many other titles. He won his first Six Day - a six-day track cycling event - in 1983 at Berlin, which was the first time a Briton had won a Six Day for over a decade.
In April 2023, Tony was told he had pancreatic cancer and that he had been diagnosed too late for treatment. The symptoms associated with the disease such as back pain, indigestion and unexpected weight-loss, are vague and also common to many less serious health conditions.
Due to this, more than 80% of people with pancreatic cancer are not diagnosed until after the disease has spread and is no longer operable. Over half of people with the disease die within three months of diagnosis. Tragically, Tony died just four weeks after he was told he had pancreatic cancer, aged 64.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is taking on this devastating disease by investing in world-class research projects, looking into early detection and improved treatment options for disease, as well as support for patients and their loved ones now, through its free-phone Support Line staffed by specialist nurses. The charity is determined to double survival rates by 2028.
The team have chosen to donate 50% of all donations to Pancreatic Cancer UK and 50% to Headway Surrey, a charity that works to improve life after brain injury for Surrey residents. This continues Tony's legacy of charity work and giving back to the community.
Speaking after the group returned from their epic tour, George Doyle said: "Wow, I can't believe that we actually cycled 1,000 miles in 10 days!
"The whole experience was truly incredible, despite the numerous sore body parts. Cycling round Europe to visit places where Dad raced really brought to life all the extraordinary stories Dad had told us over the years.
"We have been blown away by the love and support we have received over the course of this journey. Seeing the donations and messages coming in every day was a massive boost and kept our legs pedaling, especially on those mornings when we struggled to get out of bed!
"We really cannot thank everyone enough as it has seen us surpass our target and raise over £12k. This JustGiving page is still live, and we would love to see us continue to try and hit the £15k mark for these amazing charities."
Laura Sutton, Head of Public Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK said: "What a fantastic feat that the group took on in memory of Tony Doyle MBE, and it's been amazing to revisit the many high points in his career. George, James, and their friends should be so proud of what they've accomplished.
"Tony died just four weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Tragically, this is the reality faced by people with the disease, as more than half of people die within three months of diagnosis. Families are often left with only hope to hold on to, but we know that hope isn't enough.
"The money raised by the Doyle family will help us go above and beyond for everyone affected by the disease, bringing more support, improved detection, and more effective treatments for the deadliest common cancer."
If you would like to support the Doyle team, you can donate via their JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com.
For more information or to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, please visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraise.
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