Man who is defying the odds gets ready for charity cycle

Norman Journeaux

A terminal cancer sufferer who was given a year to live 18 months ago is preparing for a charity bike ride.

Despite only recently finishing chemotherapy treatment, Norman Journeaux, 50, is determined to complete the 53 mile journey from Blackpool to Whitworth at the end of the month.

The challenge takes place on 29 August and around 20 people are taking part.

Mr Journeaux has taken part in the bike ride in the past, but explained that this year is more important than ever to him. 

“I did the bike ride a couple of times before I was ill and now I want to see if I can do it again, I need to get stronger and fitter and this is the way to do it,” said Mr Journeaux.

Mr Journeaux was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus 18 months ago and the cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes, he has defied the odds after being told he had at most a year to live.

So far he has raised £200 but hopes for it to be plenty more. The final amount raised will be donated to local charities.

With the help of his friend John Blackburn, Mr Journeaux is taking part in training once a week to get ready for the bike ride.

“It isn’t going to be easy,” he said, “but the past year has been hard, there has been times when I couldn’t even walk down the street to get to the shop.

“I am not going to give up, I am going to make sure I complete it,” concluded Mr Journeaux.