Join Gareth Thomas MBE in a Monumental Charity Ride from London to Paris to Battle Kids Cancer
Hello, everyone! Many of you know me, Martin Harris, from Down and Dirty, Team Dirt Racing, and other madcap adventures. Today, I’m here to talk about something incredibly important and close to my heart.
The Journey So Far
This spring, our very own Gareth Thomas joined the Dads Indoors Riding Trainers (DIRT) community on a trip to Mallorca. Upon returning to the UK, he received life-altering news: he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Follicular Lymphoma Cancer, a type of blood cancer. Since then, Gareth has been courageously battling the disease while undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments.
The Ride of a Lifetime
Despite the challenges, Gareth is not letting anything hold him back. He’s taking on an extraordinary journey—cycling from London to Paris—as part of a Kids Cancer Charity effort. This event is no small feat; it’s organized by the Rugby Centurions and will be attended by many Rugby legends.
Why We Need Your Support
I would never ask you wonderful people for anything that I wouldn’t be 100% behind. Times are tough, and we get that. But if you can spare anything, it would go a long way.
How to Contribute
Team DIRT Racing will be donating funds to Gareth’s chosen charity, Fatboys Cancer Charity. We invite you to join us in this noble cause.
Donate here!
A Selfless and Inspiring Word From Gareth
Hello, I’m Gareth Thomas. I have been invited to join the famous Rugby Centurions charity bike ride from Twickenham to Paris, starting October 9th as part of the Rugby World Cup celebrations. I will be riding alongside rugby greats such as Rory Best, George Gregan, and John Smit, just to name a few. My chosen charity is Fatboys Cancer Charity. Fatboys Cancer Charity raises money to buy children suffering with cancer a Christmas present.
Many of these children have an advanced stage of cancer, and our volunteer “Santa’s Elves” deliver these presents to the children at hospitals or hospices.
Unfortunately, I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy myself for stage 4 Follicular Lymphoma. My prognosis is looking very good, and I’m certainly up for the challenge to raise a few quid for this amazing cause. I know loads of these requests appear lately, and I’m well aware times are hard at the moment.
If you could donate a couple of pounds or even share my post, I would be hugely grateful. Time for a dramatic caveat – I have chemotherapy scheduled for the week before the ride!!!
Judging on how my treatment has gone previously, I will be good to go. It’s around 260 km over 4 days, which is well within my capability even with ongoing chemotherapy; however, I think it prudent to mention this should things not go to plan.
Thank you for the support so far.
Let’s come together to support Gareth and all the kids battling cancer. Every little bit helps, and your contribution could make a world of difference.
Thank you for your time and generosity.
Warm regards, Martin Harris
Donate here!
Semi-retired as owner and director of his private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice after over 20 years, Chris is blessed with the freedom to pursue his passion for virtual cycling and writing. On a continual quest to give back to his bike for all the rewarding experiences and relationships it has provided him, he created a non-profit. Chris is committed to helping others with his bike through its work and the pages of his site.
In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to New York to support the charity he founded, TheDIRTDadFund. His “Gain Cave” resides on the North Fork of Long Island, where he lives with his beautiful wife and is proud of his two independent children.
You will read him promoting his passion on the pages of Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. Chris is co-host of The Virtual Velo Podcast, too!
