When Pip Russell was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks before the birth of her daughter, she faced the challenge of becoming a new mother while beginning cancer treatment. Now her husband, Dr James Russell, a consultant radiologist at Royal Surrey, is taking on a 1,000km cycling challenge to raise funds for Royal Surrey Charity. All funds raised will go to the charity's Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service Fund, supporting the service where Pip received her treatment.

James will cycle from Godalming to Varese in Milan to raise money for the unit that supported Pip following the birth of their daughter Matilda.

He said: “It was a huge shock for Pip being diagnosed just before our daughter was born but having a baby is an incredible distraction.

“When Pip found the lump in her breast, things happened very quickly. She was induced early and her treatment began two weeks following the birth of Matilda. A year of chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and immunotherapy followed and although this was not the maternity leave we had planned, it was made much more manageable with the incredible support from the TYAC team.

“The team offers an amazing bespoke service where you always have a point of contact and someone who can answer any questions at any time. The staff are really friendly and warm and the environment is bright and welcoming so it’s great to be able to help fundraise to say thanks for all their hard work and dedication.

“Two years on from her diagnosis, Pip is now cancer free and we are so incredibly grateful to everyone at Royal Surrey who has looked after her.”

Following the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, James is aiming to complete the ride in 12 days, cycling around 100km a day and crossing the Alps along the way. His destination is the town of Verase where Pip’s parents live.

If you would like to contribute to James’ fundraiser, please visit his Just Giving fundraising page. Donations to Royal Surrey Charity’s Teenage and Adult Cancer Service Fund will help the team to provide fantastic wraparound support to patients who are diagnosed with cancer at a young age. This includes expert medical advice, a support WhatsApp group, social activities and events, comfortable and welcoming treatment rooms, a bright and inviting ward and brilliant clinical nurses. You can find out more about the fund here. 

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