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From Twickenham to Tokyo: St Catherine's Hospice supporter arrives home after epic cycling challenge

After more than 4 months, 8 countries and 7,200 miles, intrepid cyclist and triple cancer survivor Patrick McIntosh has arrived home to Surrey this week (Tuesday 1 October) following his epic Lifecycle challenge.

Patrick set himself the ultimate test of endurance, cycling from Twickenham to Tokyo in time for the opening game of the Rugby World Cup on 20 September to raise money to build a new home for his local hospice. So far, Patrick has raised over £50,000, with this being split between St Catherine's Hospice and World Cancer Research. The total is expected to climb as further pledges are fulfilled. The 62-year-old has survived bowel, prostate and skin cancer and is now determined to raise awareness of the fight against cancer.

In May, Patrick set off from St Catherine's Hospice in Malthouse Road, cycling towards Pease Pottage, which will be the site of a new, larger hospice building in years to come. From there he headed to Twickenham Stadium before cycling across Europe. As June approached, Patrick began a successful attempt to cross Russia in 90 days, following the historic line of the trans-siberian railway and finally arriving by ferry in southern Japan to cycle the final 1000km to reach Tokyo on 18 September.

Talking about the ride, Patrick said:

"I am delighted to have reached Tokyo. It's been a bit hairy at times but I've beaten three cancers and had major surgery. So I was jolly well going to get to Tokyo come hell or high water. I am proud to have been able to do this and prove what's possible after cancer."

Generally physically I've been absolutely amazed by how well my body kept up. I think the more challenging thing was the mental side of it. Having to get up whether it's raining or boiling hot and cycle another 70 to 100 miles a day. It was really difficult.

But it was fantastic seeing all the different cultures as we were riding up through Europe and into Russia, seeing the different parts and being greeted by people was absolutely fabulous.

 It's an honour to support St Catherine's as part of my big adventure. As a cancer survivor I know the importance of their vital care. And I want more people to be able to have hospice care in the future so I'm raising money for St Catherine's new larger hospice.

When you're seriously ill you need all the support you can get. Having the support of St Catherine's expert nurses, doctors and wider teams really helps people to stay positive and live well for as long as they can. Staying positive and living well were things I found crucial to my own survival. Despite being told the most depressing news I tried not to let it get me down and believed that I could still make the most of life. Now I hope I'll inspire and motivate others to do the same."

Along the way, Patrick has been supported by a myriad of people, including Glenn Fisher who drove his support vehicle and his neighbour, Dame Judi Dench, who met with Patrick to wish him good luck before he left and to give him a lucky charm in the form of a silver four-leaved clover, which Patrick had attached to his bicycle throughout his Lifecycle.

To find out more about Patrick's amazing adventure follow him on Twitter at: @KMGfoundation.

Or to donate to support Patrick and St Catherine's Hospice please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PatrickMcIntoshLifeCycle

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