A DROITWICH man is set to embark on a 100 mile cycle in aid of Cancer Research UK in support of a relative’s shock diagnosis.
Tim Kirkham, aged 62, is cycling 100-miles around Worcestershire tomorrow (Friday, July 4) alongside his friend Stewart Willis.
The pair will start and end their challenge at Droitwich Spa Lido to coincide with the outdoor pool’s 90th anniversary. They have been training since September 2024, with Stewart – a ‘strong’ cyclist – helping Tim get up to speed.
Tim, former Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre manager is raising funds in support of his wife’s first cousin, once removed – Daniel Money, a junior doctor from Bristol who was diagnosed with bowel cancer aged 24 in November 2022.
Tim’s efforts will boost Daniel’s already monumental sum of over £70,000 raised for Cancer Research UK thanks to the help of his family and friends’ fundraising efforts in recent years.
When launching his fundraising mission, Daniel sadly knew the money was ‘not likely’ to change his treatment or outcomes, but believed it could change the lives of people in his position in the future.
Tim told the Standard: “Daniel’s diagnosis and suffering really brings it home for us. I get emotional just thinking about it and I don’t think there’s anybody who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way.
“To raise as much money as we can and do it amongst friends and the community is brilliant.”
Tim wanted to involve the Lido in his fundraiser because of his everlasting love for the community asset. He learnt to swim there as a child and has many fond memories spending time with his family there.
He was a stalwart at the Lido, retiring from his role at Wychavon Leisure in November 2022 after 30 years before joining Wychavon District Council as leisure facilities manager.
In this current role, he works on projects to enhance Wychavon’s leisure facilities and make them fit for the future.
Since Daniel’s diagnosis, Tim’s partner Jane has been hosting annual Splash for Cash fundraising events at the Lido for Cancer Research UK. So far, the event has raised over £4,000 across three annual events.
Jane will host the latest bash for 90 participants at 7.15pm at the Lido, after Tim completes his cycle tomorrow.
He added: “To still work with Wychavon Leisure and to help support the lido is amazing. It’s brilliant to have everyone together as a community, supporting a good cause.”
Tim set himself the modest target of raising £500 for charity. So far, at the time of writing, he has smashed his target and raised £670.
Visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/tims-100-mile-cycle-challenge and https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/daniels-fundraising to donate.
