An epic cycle challenge has raised more than £22,000 to help find a cure for brain tumours inspired by West Suffolk parents who died from the disease just weeks apart.
Steve Morrissey was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) at the same time as Ali Slaymaker, the mother of his 13-year-old daughter, was living with a brain tumour as a result of a previous cancer diagnosis.
Tragically, Ali died on 24th August 2023 and Steve passed away less than two months later, on 12th October 2023.
During the latter stages of Steve’s illness, he and his daughter embarked on their final journey together, from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk to Cullompton in Devon, to spend the final weeks of Steve’s life with family. Poignantly, his family and friends have now cycled the same journey, pedalling 300 miles over four days to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
After completing their challenge on 13th June, the team shared an update on their JustGiving page at the finish line: “Stunning scenery, back roads / cycle tracks and tow paths and the odd hill, more hills and challenges along the way. We arrived to a rapturous guard of honour from hundreds of people! Such an emotional and proud moment for all of us. Thanks to ALL of you who have donated so far, we could not have done it without you.”
Congratulations to the Steve’s Ride team. If their fundraising efforts have inspired you, there’s still time to show your support by donating via their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/stevesride
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