East Grinstead man leads Berlin to London charity ride

East Grinstead resident George Southgate is heading the journey in tribute to his late father, Mike Southgate, who died from bowel cancer in January 2022 at the age of 59.

The ride aims to raise funds for The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), a leading research institute and charity.

Mr Southgate, 28, said: "In the final stages of my dad’s illness and after trying a variety of harsh treatments, he wanted to take part in a clinical trial.

"He knew there was little chance it would improve his own prognosis but instead could help clinicians gain greater understanding into bowel cancer and the specific mutations present during his illness."

Mr Southgate has assembled a group of 26 cyclists, including many from the insurance sector where his father worked for 40 years.

The team will depart from Berlin on July 5, aiming to finish at the ICR’s Chelsea laboratories on July 10, travelling through Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.

They will cycle roughly 100 miles per day over six days.

This is not Mr Southgate’s first fundraising challenge.

In June 2022, he raised more than £18,000 by cycling from London to Paris just months after his father’s death.

He hopes this latest challenge will raise over £100,000 for cancer research.

To support the ride and donate, visit Mr Southgate’s fundraising page at justgiving.com/page/george-southgate-4.

Sarah Castleman, sports and challenge events manager at the ICR, said: "Having George's support once again is fantastic.

"He has already done so much in his father's memory, and we can't wait to celebrate with him and the team this July.

"Cycling 600 miles over six days from Berlin to London will be tough, but we know the whole group is incredibly passionate and motivated to make the biggest impact in memory of Mike."

Mr Southgate said: "Ultimately this challenge is just my small way of trying to help reduce the number of individuals suffering with cancer and the families who are broken apart by it."