Cancer patient to cycle the height of Everest
Photo credit: Hereford Times
A 64 year old cyclist who has been receiving pioneering cancer treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, is taking on an ascent equivalent to the height of Everest to say thank you to those who have helped him.
Roger Calow, from Broad Oak in south Herefordshire, was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2004, which later spread to his lymph system and bloodstream.
Since 2011 he has been receiving groundbreaking treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
Despite facing further challenges – including being diagnosed with a brain tumour in February – Roger has decided to take on a bike ride, which will see him climb 8,848 metres.
He said: “When I had the idea I was full of energy and full of steroids (part of his cancer treatment) so I could imagine doing it because I had the energy of 20 of me now.
“I am not on steroids now and I am beginning to think, what a ridiculous idea!”
The popular cycling challenge called ‘Everesting’ involves repeatedly riding uphill until the height of Everest is reached.
Roger will do this up Bealach Na Ba in Wester Ross, Scotland from June 8 to 12, equaling 15 ascents.
He wants to raise £8,848, a pound for every metre of Everest, for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Charity’s Fighting Skin Cancer fund, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Roger was on a drug trial from 2012 to 2014. Since that stopped working he has been on a course of treatment that helps the immune system fight the cancer and has just started a new and similar drug that is given as a drip every three weeks.
To add to this, within the last two months he has also been treated with laser surgery for a brain tumour, which is now reducing.
Roger, who has a son and grandson, said: “The treatment I have had since 2012 has been cutting edge. I am not a surfer but it is like I am on that cutting edge of the wave.
“It is really exciting being on drug trials as you feel as though you are contributing towards the treatment of cancer, as well as benefiting from it.
“The drug trial actually kept tumours at bay for two years.
“The doctors and nurses involved in that have been incredible. It is almost worth having cancer to experience all of this, but not quite.”
Laura Power, Fundraising Officer at QEHB Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Roger for his support and are inspired by his journey so far.
“It is great that he is fundraising for our Fighting Skin Cancer fund, which funds research into the disease and provides new treatments for patients as well as education and support for families.”
To find out more about QEHB Charity or to make a donation, please visit www.qehb.org or call 0121 371 4852.
