Like father, like son: London to Paris for St Luke’s

Making a difference

“We chose St Luke’s as we feel that what they offer as an independent charity is incredible. We understand that there are a wide range of people that St Luke’s treat and support but we have been particularly hit hard with cancer among several family members so wanted to support a charity that has an impact on this.”

James’ great grandfather, David Rooke, was cared for by St Luke’s in his final weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

“The team that took care of David were amazing and gave great comfort to him and those around him; taking care of him at his home whilst also supporting other family members who were going through so much at the time. The family have been so grateful for this. I am just so glad to be able to help whilst doing something we love and feel lucky to have an incredibly resilient and mad son!”

Luke and James have been hard at work training for the ride, starting on 1 August and have been fitting in rides at every opportunity.

Luke said: “We will need to be comfortably cycling 50 miles per day during the challenge to do it in the timeframe we have set ourselves, so we will need to gradually increase the length of the rides we are doing leading up to the challenge. We will be out at least twice a week between now and August, trying to dodge the wet weather where we can!”

They have set their fundraising goal as £3,000 and are already nearing a third of that. £3,000 would mean that three other families like Luke and James’ will receive the compassionate care and support that is needed when facing a terminal illness.

On hearing the impact their fundraising will have, Luke said: “Raising that amount will make us feel very proud. It’s really meaningful to understand what the donations mean in real terms and knowing that it makes a difference to people is really important.

“It’s a great adventure and we can’t wait to get started! James is already talking about what we should do after this – John O’Groats to Land’s End 2026?”

You can follow Luke and James’ fundraising journey here.