Chiswick School Head Boy Takes On Charity Cycle Challenge

Donations from cycle to Paris will fund research into disease that killed a friend

Chiswick School Head Boy Joe Smale set off with his father Tim this week (Thursday 17 September) on a 500 km fundraising bike ride to Paris in memory of a young friend who died of blood cancer.

Joe himself lost 18 months of school four years ago while he was having treatment for leukaemia. While he was in hospital having a life-saving bone marrow transplant, he became friends with Angus Rowland who was also in hospital with leukaemia. Sadly, Angus passed away aged fourteen and Joe has decided to dedicate this fund-raising cycle to his friend.

This video tells more of the story.

The father and son, accompanied by a group of eight friends and family, set off at 6.30a.m. from Greenwich. When they arrive in Paris, hopefully tomorrow (Monday), Angus's parents will be their guests.

The group as they set off on the charity cycle

The group is are aiming to raise £20,000 for Bloodwise (formerly known as Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research). So far they have raised £10,000 including pledges, and are appealing for more donations. Joe says;"It won't bring Angus back but together we can beat blood cancer, forever."

The fundraising page can be accessed to give donations and there is also a Facebook page where you can follow their progress and find out more.

September 15, 2015