Clowne: Friends ride to Paris in memory of cancer victim Lee

Big-hearted friends completed an incredible charity cycle challenge across four countries in honour of a brave pal who lost his battle to a rare cancer.

The six-strong cycle team including David Johnson, Ben Holmes, Gavin Crossland, Paul and Mark Blackmore and Marcus Shaw rode from Clowne to Paris for Macmillan Cancer Care in memory of cancer victim Lee Marklew.

John Blackmore, Paul and Mark’s dad, said: “All the parents are very proud of their efforts.”

“Their ride started from WD Rattue’s cycle and toy shop in North Road, Clowne, which in their childhood had been a source of supplies for bicycle accessories.”

“Their choice of fundraising was in appreciation of the care received by friend Lee Marklew and his family.”

Five of the riders are former pupils of Heritage School, in Clowne, and one is a former pupil from St Mary’s School, in Chesterfield.

This is the team’s second charity ride for Macmillan Cancer Care - which they have funded themselves - after they rode from Wembley Stadium to Paris in 2013.

This time the route included England, Holland, Belgium and France over four days in September. The cyclists’ latest challenge raised over £3,000 in sponsored pledges.

Their inspirational friend Lee sadly died in August 2012, aged 32, from bone cancer Ewing’s sarcoma.

Lee left a widow Elaine and their son Harry.

Lee’s mum Beverley Peacock has also campaigned for earlier bone cancer diagnosis.

For 18 months Lee had physiotherapy, but his condition worsened and a lump formed on his pelvis.

In January 2011, after a second opinion and MRI scan, Lee was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/Clowne2Paris/5.

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