Shani Cantor blood cancer fundraiser

Lowestoft resident, Shani Cantor is gearing up for this year’s London Bikeathon, the capital’s largest charity cycle event, to raise money for blood cancer charity, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, a charity incredibly close to her heart.

Shani, 22, has challenged herself to cycle the 26 mile route on Sunday 31 August 2014, after her sister Sarah died from leukaemia in August 1999 age 25, only five months after she was diagnosed.

Speaking about what inspired her to take part in the bikethaon, she said: “I am rubbish on a bike and the London Bikeathon will be the start of my cycling venture. It’s a small start but for me it will be a massive achievement and in memory of my gorgeous sister so I couldn’t think of a better way to start. Before Sarah died, we were picking out bridesmaid dresses for her wedding. She had so much drive, ambition and things she wanted to do. The favourite picture I have of my sister is with her bike, smiling like she always did, so I knew that when I raised money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, I wanted to use my bike.

“There isn’t a day goes by when I don’t think about my sister. She is in my head every second of every day. I’ve always wanted to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and even after the bikeathon I will keep raising money until I reach my £3000 target. I continuously struggle with my sisters passing – it devastates me just as much now as the minute I was told she was gone and never gets easier. I struggle now more than ever, hence why I felt doing something for this charity would create some positive memories for me.”

“When she died I vowed that everything I achieved in my life will be for both of us. She didn’t get the chance to achieve everything she wanted to achieve, so every achievement will be for me and my sister, starting with this bikeathon. My little brother has Down’s syndrome so he doesn’t really understand, but if he could ride a bike I’m sure he would be there with me as well.”

Now in its 18th year, the London Bikeathon is expected to attract 4,000 cyclists aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Riders will pass by some of the Capital’s most iconic and picturesque sights, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Big Ben, The Shard and the Tower of London.

LONDON BIKEATHON blood cancer fundraiser

Matt Lawley, Head of Sports Events at Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, says: “This year’s London Bikeathon looks set to be as successful as last year’s in raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to help beat blood cancer. We are constantly inspired by the stories of those fundraising for us and the dedication of our supporters like Shani. Every penny raised for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research will help us in our mission – stopping people from dying and making patients’ lives better.  Sign up today and join us, it’ll be a day to remember!”

To support Shani please visit http://beatbloodcancer.org.uk/shani-cantor

leukaemia-lymphoma-research

To sign up for the London Bikeathon visit www.bikeathons.org.uk

Last year, thousands of cyclists took to the streets of London for the flagship event, smashing the fundraising record and raising £830,000 to help beat blood cancer.

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