Sheffield hospital workers to cycle over 700 miles as part of epic challenge to support children’s charity

Two hospital workers from Sheffield are planning to cycle more than 700 miles in a bid to make a real difference to the children and families suffering from blood cancer.

Katherine Patrick and Zoe Burton, who both work as consultants at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, are part of a group of 20 women who will ride the entire route of the Women’s Tour de France, one day ahead of the event, which is set to be the longest ever, covering 1,175 km with 18,795m of ascent over nine stages.

The ride, which is organised by the charity Cure Leukemia, starts on July 31st. The route begins in Lausanne and travels through France over nine days, finishing in Nice on August 8th.

Katherine said: “We will cover over 1200km and climb more than 19000m of ascent, which will be a huge challenge for us both.

“This is a pioneering project to bring research studies straight to children having stem cell transplants and ensure that every child having a stem cell transplant in the UK, has access to the latest advances in medical care.”

She adds that herself and Zoe both have different things motivating them to take on the challenge. Katherine works with children struggling with leukaemia each day as part of her job while Zoe has seen her niece battle with leukaemia.

Katherine explains: “I am a paediatric haematology consultant and the majority of my work is treating children with leukaemia and those undergoing bone marrow transplants at Sheffield Children’s.

“ I see everyday at work the benefit of research and know that the Aticus Network will allow us to bring clinical trials to the patients we treat and this will help make transplants safer and more effective.

“Zoe is a paediatric anaesthetic consultant and her eight year old niece Clemmie was diagnosed with leukaemia last summer having been unwell for a very short time. Clemmie has faced almost a year of treatment already and still has another year to go. She has inspired all of her friends and family with her bravery and ability to smile through everything thrown at her. “

Between them the pair have already raised more than £25,000 across two separate fundraisers, meaning both have already surpassed their £10,000 goal.

The Go Fund Me Page reads: “I am both excited and terrified by the challenge ahead. My training for the event is tough, there are early starts on the turbo trainer before work, and long days in the saddle at the weekend, but I am inspired every day by the bravery and resilience of our patients and their families.”

Anyone wishing to donate to either Zoe or Katharine’s Just Giving Page can do so below.

Zoe’s here.

Katherine here.

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