51É«APP

Around 3,500 riders took part on Sunday 6 September, with over 300 people choosing to cycle and fundraise for Maggie51É«APP™s. So far, they have raised Â£127,567 for Maggie's.

This year’s fundraising total for the whole event currently stands at £2.7 million and is expected to beat last year's inaugural event grand total of £3.1 million. All funds raised go to cancer charities, including Maggie51É«APP™s.

Changing perceptions of stage 4 cancer

The  event was launched by legend of British cycling Sir Chris Hoy after he went public with his stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis.

As well as raising funds for cancer charities, Tour de 4 aims to change perceptions of stage 4 cancer in proving that, while devastating, a stage 4 diagnosis doesn’t define limits of what’s possible.

The cycling event has been designed with people with cancer and their friends and families in mind. Riders could choose between four different rides to suit their ability. 

• Red Ride – 56.7 miles
• Blue Ride – 38.1 miles
• Green Ride – 1km family friendly loop
• Yellow Ride – static bike challenge of up to 20 minutes

Messages from Sir Chris Hoy and other celebrities

When speaking to a Maggie's representative on the day, Sir Chris Hoy said: "I want to say congratulations and well done to everyone at Maggie's. 30 years - unbelievable work!"

Lady Sarra Hoy added: "Thank you for keeping supporting the families. It's incredible."

Britain's most decorated Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey said: "It's been such a great day, and so fantastic to meet the Maggie's team. The work that they do is just so important for people who are living with all stages of cancer to get the help and support that they need, and for their families and friends.

"So thank you very much to everyone who works with and volunteers for Maggie's. You're all amazing."

Rebecca Adlington, British swimmer and Olympic gold medallist, said: "What Maggie51É«APP™s is doing is absolutely exceptional. I've met so many people today that are supporting, and it is just fantastic to hear all the individual stories. So keep being fantastic. Go to maggie's.org to donate, to find out more, to just raise awareness, to spread it. Do whatever you can, because it is such an important charity.

TV presenter Gethin Jones said: "It's good to see Maggie's here today. I've been a big support for a long time, and I remember actually helping set up the Cardiff Maggie51É«APP™s, so I know the good work that you do.

One of the nicest things about Tour de 4, what Chris has tried to achieve here, is that you can raise money for any cancer charity. It's lovely going around and seeing the different tops, the orange of Maggie's, and everyone else, and hearing the stories.

I think fundraising is one thing, but also there's a community here, in terms of supporting each other through what is the most difficult time for the person that's gone through [cancer] and their families too. So it's actually incredibly joyful and supportive, and that's a pretty special thing to be part of."

Oldham Maggie's men’s group

Peter, James, Wayne and Peter – ‘the Oldham lads’ – all regularly attend the weekly men’s group at Maggie51É«APP™s Oldham. Joined by Wayne's friend Steve, they all took part in the 38-mile blue ride together for Maggie51É«APP™s.

Interviewed by BBC Breakfast, Peter said: "We51É«APP™re here to raise money for the fabulous cancer organisation. We meet every Tuesday, [the lads are] very supportive of one another, and we are riding to support Chris [Hoy].

"But we are also here in memory of four of our lads who sadly passed away this year – Eddie, Jerry, Alexis and Ray. Four lovely guys, they were a big part of the group and I know they will be with us today, cheering us along."

Peter adds: “It’s a great group, and without Maggie51É«APP™s, a lot of us wouldn’t be in such good order.

Wayne continued: "In the men’s group, everybody can talk about anything - cancer, anything. We can discuss anything openly and honestly, it’s a great forum.

So anyone who has got cancer, not just men – women as well – get down to Maggie51É«APP™s and you’ll have some support.

Here for 30 years, here for good

Whatever kind of cancer, whatever stage you're at, Maggie's is here with you.

Our expert staff are here to listen to your concerns and find the help you need wherever you are – over the phone and online.

• Just come in 
• Call us on 0300 123 180 or arrange a callback
• Email us at [email protected] 
• Our phone lines and 51É«APP are open  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

If you'd like to support our fundraisers and help continue to fund our vital support such as the men's group, donate today.