A Suffolk toddler who died from brain cancer is the inspiration behind a cycling event to help find a cure for the disease.
More than 100 cyclists are expected to take part in the Stowmarket Lions Sportive on Sunday 9th June in aid of Brain Tumour Research. Amateur and keen cyclists alike can choose from a family friendly 25km, steady 50km or adventurous 100km loop of scenic Suffolk countryside from Blackbourne Community Centre in Elmswell.
This year, the sportive is inspired by Harry Crick who died of a grade 4 embryonal brain tumour in October 2021, aged two.
In his short life, Harry underwent two operations and gruelling chemotherapy. The family temporarily relocated from Bury St Edmunds to Essen, Germany, for eight weeks where Harry had proton beam therapy.
His story captured the hearts of the nation, including that of England Football Captain Harry Kane, who sent a video wishing him well.
The toddler’s diagnosis inspired 'Our Harry, Our Hero' – a personal blog set up by parents Nelly and Matthew to help raise awareness of the cruel disease. They have raised more than £38,500 for the charity.
Matthew, who is taking on the 50km ride, said: “We felt really humbled and proud that the community remembers and wants to honour Harry. His legacy lives on and it brings us some comfort that much needed funds and awareness for this evil disease are being raised because of our special boy.”
Lions member and event organiser Jonathan Pearce said: “Harry’s story is incredibly upsetting. Losing any family member is tough; Harry was just a child. Having read the stats around brain tumours, they claim the lives of more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.
“Research is vital to help beat any disease so any money that we can help raise towards helping fund the fight against brain tumours is worth every effort.”
The cycle fundraiser forms part of a four-year partnership with Lions Clubs across the UK who have pledged to raise £1 million to fund the fight and help find a cure for all types of brain tumours.
To donate to Brain Tumour Research in Harry’s memory, please click here.
You can sign up to the Stowmarket Lions Sportive by visiting: https://stow-lions.org.uk/lion-ride/
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