FUNDRAISING FOR A CURE
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PLANETS Cancer Charity is inviting supporters from across the UK and beyond to take part in a new virtual edition of its iconic London to Paris in 24 hours (LP24) cycling challenge as the event celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year.
For the first time, people who cannot take part in the physical ride to Paris will be able to join the challenge virtually by completing the same 320km distance in their own way, wherever they are in the world.
Participants can cycle outdoors, use exercise bikes at home, take on the challenge at their local gym, or even complete the distance as part of a spin class or team effort.
Riders will have until 5 July 2026 to complete the challenge and raise funds for PLANETS, which supports people affected by pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal and neuroendocrine cancers.
The launch builds on growing excitement around the return of LP24, which first captured hearts in 2016 when 58 riders completed the epic challenge between London and Paris in just 24 hours, raising more than £65,000 for pioneering cancer treatment and support.
LP24 2026, which will see patients, families, clinicians – including many from University Hospital Southampton – and supporters take part, has already raised more than £18,000 of a £50,000 target.
Dr Brian Stedman, co-founder of PLANETS and a consultant interventional radiologist at University Hospital Southampton, said: “LP24 has always been about much more than cycling. It’s about patients, clinicians, families and supporters coming together to achieve something extraordinary.
“The virtual challenge means that even more people can now be part of that journey, regardless of location, fitness level or personal circumstances.”
The virtual format has been designed to make the challenge more inclusive and accessible, particularly for people currently undergoing treatment or recovery, supporters unable to travel, and those wanting to take part alongside friends, colleagues or family members.
Participants can complete the full 320km individually or split the distance across a group, sharing the miles between friends, workplaces, cycling clubs or gym communities.
A number of PLANETS’ corporate partners have already signed up to take part, including Goodwood, AWA, Care South, Peagreen – who designed the LP24 jersey – and Spire Southampton Hospital.
Teams will be completing the challenge in a variety of ways, with staff at Spire Southampton planning to tackle the distance collectively from exercise bikes in their hospital reception during the event weekend.
Jo Green, director of operations and marketing at PLANETS, said: “One of the most special things about LP24 is the sense of unity it creates.
“We wanted to find a way for more people to experience that feeling and support the charity, even if they can’t physically be on the road to Paris.
“Whether someone rides 320km solo or completes the challenge with family and friends, every mile represents support for people affected by cancer.”
She added: “It’s been fantastic to see so many organisations getting behind LP24 Virtual already. Whether it is colleagues sharing the distance between them, taking turns on a spin bike, or creating their own fundraising events, the challenge gives businesses a unique opportunity to support cancer patients while bringing people together around a common goal.”
The £20 entry fee includes:
- A downloadable mileage tracker with milestones to tick off
- Access to official LP24 merchandise
- A downloadable completion certificate
- A free PLANETS Bandido for anyone raising more than £100.
Participants are encouraged to share their progress online using the hashtag #VirtualLP24 and fundraise through the official JustGiving campaign.
The virtual challenge will run alongside the physical LP24 ride from 3 to 5 July 2026, which marks ten years since the original event.
Since 2011, PLANETS has raised more than £2.5 million to fund pioneering cancer treatments, research and patient support initiatives.
Registration for LP24 Virtual is now open at:
https://planetscharity.org/event/london-to-paris-lp24-2026-virtual/
READ ABOUT HOW FUNDS ARE USED
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