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Will’s 1000 mile cycling challenge

1st September 2024

Cycling Land’s End to John O’Groats

“Being so young it was hard for me to understand the illness and what was to come, St Luke’s attended our home regularly and helped me process our new way of life.”

Dealing with the grief of losing a parent can be tough at any age, but as a teenager it can be a challenging time to navigate.

This was especially true for Will Ross. Ten years ago, when he was just 14, his mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now aged 24, he is embarking on a gruelling cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in Scotland all in aid of St Luke’s as a thank you for the care his mother received.

Cycling in memory

“My mum Melanie was a fun loving and caring woman,” he recalls, “she had a true passion for life, bringing a smile to anyone she was around.” Originally from Lutton, the family moved to Lanzarote when Will was 5 years old, returning to the UK when he was 9. Will attended Cornwood Primary School before later moving onto Ivybridge Community College.

Loss is no stranger to Will, as he will also be doing the ride in memory of his older brother Conor, who sadly died after a tragic moped collision aged just 16.

“Conor was a great big brother who even at the young age of 16 gave me a great role model to look up to. He always went out of his way to look after me and had a great sense of humour, lighting up every room he entered.”

It was four years later in 2014 that Will was dealt the devastating news that his mother’s cancer was terminal.

Invaluable support

“She suffered with Ovarian cancer which spread to her abdomen, we were told nothing more could be done. We spent the remaining time making unforgettable memories, my favourite being our once in a lifetime Caribbean cruise. This was made possible by the amazing Lutton residents who fundraised to give us such a special memory I will cherish forever.

“From the early stages of my mother’s cancer diagnosis I remember St Luke’s providing invaluable support. Being so young it was hard for me to understand the illness and what was to come, St Luke’s attended our home regularly and helped me process our new way of life. I remember all the staff being very patient and kind towards both me and my mother and allowed me to talk to someone about how I was feeling, this helped to process the emotions that not many children have to deal with.”

1000 miles for St Luke’s

Having recently left the Army where he as a Lance Corporal within the Royal Engineers, Will is now working as a mobile fitter for GAP in Exeter. He lives with his wife Chloe and their two dogs Millie and Bonnie in Paignton.

He will start his challenge on Saturday 31 August at Land’s End and will cycle on average 150 miles a day to finish at John O’Groats, Scotland on Saturday 7 September, totalling almost 1,000 miles in total. He said: “I am looking forward to challenging myself since leaving the forces but the nerves are starting to creep in now the start line is getting closer.”

You can follow Will’s fundraising here.

St Luke’s Tour de Moor cycling challenge

If you are looking for a cycling challenge like Will, then why not sign up for our Tour de Moor on Sunday 13 October. Sponsored by Print, Copy Scan part of The Anglotech Group our Tour de Moor is best known as an adrenaline packed two-wheel quest that can test the skills, fitness, and endurance of even the toughest of cyclists. But it’s so much more than that. With three distances and difficulty levels to choose from, it’s the ultimate inclusive family friendly cycling adventure. Sign up now and get those pedals turning for hospice care.

Sponsor Will Sign up for Tour de Moor

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