Dr McAleer back on his bike

Dr Seamus McAleer, an oncologist at the Cancer Centre in Belfast, is back in the saddle as he undertakes his very own Friends Everest Challenge.

Dr McAleer will be putting his pedal power to the test as he takes on the hills around his home, climbing 29,029 feet over two months, which is the equivalent height of Mount Everest.

Dr McAleer began in early August and he will aim to climb over 3,600 feet per week in order to cross the finish line by the start of October. As well as being motivated to raise money for the charity as we face difficulties as a result of COVID-19, Dr McAleer is also taking on the challenge to support our work following his own cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Commenting on what inspired him to take on the challenge, Dr McAleer said: “I’ve always been a great supporter of Friends of the Cancer Centre, as my patients and many others rely on its work every day. The charity funds vital additional staff, precious equipment and helps us offer new and better treatments to our patients through its support of clinical trials.

“I also have some personal motivation, as I have recently been touched by cancer myself and spent lockdown recovering from surgery. Cycling is part of my recovery, and a great opportunity to support the charity in its 35th anniversary year and at a time when it really needs it.”

This is not the first time Dr McAleer has got on his bike for Friends of the Cancer Centre. Over the years he has completed several cycles, including the Camino Santiago, Mizen to Malin and last year’s Soft Border Cycle which have raised over £200,000.

Recognising how the charity has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, Dr McAleer said: “COVID-19 has had a big impact on the charity’s ability to raise money, with cancelled events and fewer people in the community being able to raise money as they normally would. I wanted to get back on my bike and do what I can to support this great cause and help ensure its vital work can continue.”

You can make a donation to Dr McAleer’s Everest Cycle Challenge by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/seamus-mcaleer2

If you have been inspired by Dr McAleer’s cycle challenge and would like to raise money to support our work we would love to hear from you. We understand with social distancing and other restrictions that raising money is difficult at the moment, but we are here to support you.

Email us at:  [email protected] or call: 028 9069 9393.