In May this year, Yasmin Ashburnham from Rye completed a 450 km bike ride from London to Paris, personally raising almost £8000 for the cancer charity, Myeloma UK.
In 2022 she was diagnosed with myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer which affects plasma cells, the type of white blood cells that normally fight infections. When these become cancerous, they produce abnormal antibodies resulting in an immune system that no longer works effectively to fight infections.
Taking part in the cycle ride were 118 riders altogether, including 18 people living with myeloma.
Yasmin said, “At times it was quite challenging, especially on some of the steeper hills and during the rain on the final day as we approached Paris.
“The support, encouragement and camaraderie shared among the riders were incredibly uplifting throughout the journey and kept us going. It was also wonderful to spend time with some of the fundraiser team from our charity Myeloma UK, to ride with some of the research groups and pharmaceutical companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi, both of which are heavily involved in myeloma research.
“A massive thank you to everyone, and to my Rye community, who supported me throughout the ride, I am very grateful.”
A total of £360,000 was raised for the charity.
Image Credits: Myeloma UK , Myeloma UJ .