The Medicash Foundation, the charitable arm of leading Liverpool-based health insurer Medicash, has announced a £4,000 donation to Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC), a UK-based charity dedicated to aiding children and young people undergoing cancer treatment and rehabilitation. This significant contribution underscores the Foundation’s commitment to supporting health and wellbeing initiatives across the North West.
Since 2005 Cyclists Fighting Cancer has been instrumental in helping over 9,500 families by providing lightweight bikes, specially adapted trikes, and other cycling-related equipment. These resources play a crucial role in enhancing the physical fitness, mental wellness, and social engagement of young cancer patients.
Cycling also offers numerous benefits including improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, coordination, and overall mental health – essential factors in the recovery and rehabilitation process.
The donation from the Medicash Foundation will directly contribute to expanding CFC’s reach, allowing more children and young people like Max battling cancer to access these vital resources.
Max is eight years old and has several disabilities following on from a rare form of metastatic Ependymoma brain tumour on his brain stem central nervous system and spine. He received his specially adapted trike and trailer in 2021 and was desperate to join his brother in cycling around the local bike track instead of being pushed in his buggy. A few months after receiving his trike he started pedalling small amounts by himself and steering where he wanted to go.
Fast forward two years and Max is now cycling and steering independently and is a member of a cycling club on a Saturday morning and goes there with a friend from school. He’s doing great at cycling around the track, although sometimes he’s a bit naughty and goes his own way!
Max’s mum says “Having this trike has brought normality to our lives. Max can bike like any other child can. Our family can go out together for bike rides like any other family can. We will always be thankful to Cyclists Fighting Cancer. The joy and memories the trike has brought us is truly priceless”.
Sue Weir, Chief Executive of Medicash and Foundation Trustee, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are proud to support Cyclists Fighting Cancer. Their incredible work aligns perfectly with our mission to promote health and wellbeing. This donation represents our ongoing commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of young people facing health challenges.”
Laura Parker, Fundraiser at Cyclists Fighting Cancer, responded: “We are immensely grateful for the Medicash Foundation’s support. This donation will significantly enhance our ability to reach more children and provide them with the joy and therapeutic benefits of cycling. It’s partnerships like these that enable us to continue our mission and impact more lives positively.”
