A HOSPITAL consultant has commended a group of cyclists who raised an incredible amount of money for a Basingstoke charity.
Basingstoke liver cancer surgeon Merv Rees described the group Arkriders as “amazing” after they raised more than £310,000 in eight years, before deciding their journey has reached an end.
Inspired by the vision of Mr Rees, the original mission of the Arkriders was to raise money on a John O’Groats to Land’s End ride in 2016 to provide vital services for cancer patients.
READ MORE: New live music event for Top of Town as part of plans to 'breathe life' into area
In total, the cyclists collectively cycled around 50,000 miles – the equivalent of twice around the world.
Their legacy is to have played a key role in creating the Ark-funded Wellbeing Centre, which will help and support cancer patients and their families.
Mr Rees paid tribute to the fundraisers’ incredible achievement, saying: “We had a vision with a focus on improving the wellbeing of people on their cancer journey and that’s still what we focus on.
"When I set about doing this, I needed support. You need people to stand up and deliver in a nutshell and the people of Basingstoke have always done that. They do what needs to be done and, in this instance, I started the Ark with the motto that it was for the people by the people.
“The Arkriders came as a group and they were amazing. Fundraising is a lonely world sometimes and when other people go the extra mile to do something a bit special, it inspires you. They went the extra mile and were a bit special.”
The surgeon added: “It was more than just the raising of the money, they captured the spirit of what I wanted to do.”
The funds have been used to create a wellbeing unit in the radiotherapy unit at Basingstoke hospital, with services including acupuncture and other therapies.
“What we are trying to do is get the journey itself to not be so tough and we can relieve the pain and help with counselling,” said Mr Rees, adding: “Facing cancer is tough. It’s not what was on the script for your life which has changed overnight and that’s pretty challenging for anybody.
"We want to supplement all the modern cancer treatments, even more so to help that patient through that journey.
“When I started cancer surgery 30 years ago it was all or none - you either cure or you don’t bother. Now we want to diminish cancer to be like any other chronic illness where we make sure you can lead as normal a life as possible and make adjustments which is making sure all your symptoms are relieved.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here