Cancer survivor cycles from Newcastle to Maryport in charity bike ride

Diagnosed with leukaemia at just seven years old, Jon Waite commemorated 25 years since his diagnosis with the four-day bike ride across the north of England, raising funds for a charity 'close to his heart', Children's Cancer North.

The 32-year-old web developer from Maryport was joined by family and friends on his journey through Prudhoe, along Hadrian's Wall, and Carlisle, before finishing in Maryport.

In a full-circle moment during the ride, Jon had a special reunion with Dr Kevin Windebank, the leukaemia consultant who treated him, on day two in Corbridge.

Jon meets his former leukaemia consultant Dr Kevin Windebank in Corbridge (Image: JWaite)

The two recently reunited years after Jon was given the all-clear in 2012.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way," Jon said. 

“The amount of support just in the last few days has been fantastic. Over from Cumbria in particular with friends and family and from people who know me in Newcastle. 

“It’s been a great opportunity, I’d thought about it for 10 years or so but it’s only after lockdown I thought to myself let's do it.

“The weather was brilliant too and I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.

“It’s now happened, and I am relieved – thank you for all the help along the way," he said. 

This isn't Jon's first charitable endeavour however, as he has previously raised £1,600 for Children's Cancer North through the Great North Run and Children's Cancer Run.

Speaking prior to the bike ride, Jon said: "The money will go to children who are in a similar position to where I was 25 years ago. It’s my way of giving back to the charity that supported me." 

At the Maryport finish line, Jon was met by family and friends where he enjoyed a celebratory pint at the town’s Lifeboat Inn.

The fundraising page for Jon is still open for anyone wishing to donate.