FUNDRAISING FOR A CURE
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PLANETS Cancer Charity has celebrated a landmark weekend after its 10th anniversary London to Paris in 24 hours (LP24) challenge raised an incredible £85,000, taking the charity’s overall fundraising total beyond £3 million.
More than 50 riders – including cancer patients, clinicians, family members and supporters – completed the gruelling 320km journey from London to Paris in under 24 hours, battling sleep deprivation, cold early morning temperatures and soaring heat during the final miles into the French capital.
The event marked 10 years since the original LP24 challenge in 2016 and exceeded both its original £50,000 fundraising target and revised £75,000 goal thanks to an extraordinary response from supporters.
Among those completing the challenge was PLANETS supporter Jane Clouting, who took on the full 320km ride to celebrate five years clear of cancer and her 70th birthday.
Having trained for months with cycling coach Emma O’Toole, Jane completed the challenge and has so far raised more than £10,000 to support PLANETS and help future cancer patients.
The money raised will help PLANETS continue funding pioneering treatments, research, specialist equipment and patient support for people affected by pancreatic, liver, colorectal, oesophageal, gastric and neuroendocrine cancers across the south.
Dr Brian Stedman, consultant interventional radiologist at University Hospital Southampton, co-founder of PLANETS and one of the riders, said: “LP24 has always been about far more than cycling. It brings together patients, clinicians, families and supporters in a way that very few events can.
“To complete the ride alongside so many inspiring people while raising £85,000 for cancer patients is something I’ll never forget.
“Passing the £3 million fundraising milestone is an incredible achievement for everyone who has supported PLANETS over the years. Every pound raised helps us continue investing in treatments, equipment and research that make a real difference to patients.”
Jo Green, director of operations and marketing at PLANETS, said: “It is hard to put into words just how special this weekend has been. Our riders trained for months for what was an enormous challenge. Some were experienced cyclists, many were not, but every single person showed extraordinary determination to reach Paris.
“Behind the scenes, our volunteers worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe, fed, hydrated and motivated throughout the journey. To have everyone arrive safely in under 24 hours while raising an incredible £85,000 is beyond anything we hoped for.
“To reach more than £3 million raised since PLANETS was founded makes this achievement even more special. We are enormously grateful to every rider, volunteer, sponsor and supporter who has helped make this possible.”
The charity will be sharing photographs and stories from the weekend on its Facebook page over the coming days, celebrating the riders, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who made the event possible.
READ ABOUT HOW FUNDS ARE USED
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PLANETS Receive £10,000 Grant from The Hospital Saturday Fund
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Head and Neck Cancer Patient Treated with IORT in UK First
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PLANETS Cancer Charity and the Robert White Trust, Fund a new regional NET Cancer Dietitian
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Bowel cancer patient becomes first in UK to be treated with IORT
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IORT Launch is a Success!
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IORT Arrives at Southampton!
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Southampton Aiding Research into Earlier Diagnosis for Pancreatic Cancer
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Sainsbury’s Hedge End Donate Digital Radios
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PLANETS to Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research at Southampton
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First Patient Receives PRRT at Southampton thanks to PLANETS
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Improving Patient Services Across the Region
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