Cycling through the French Alps for breast cancer research
Three participants share their experiences of taking on a four-day challenge for our supporter, Le Cure.
Le Cure have been supporting innovative breast cancer research projects at The Royal Marsden since 2014. Over the last 11 years, they have raised over £3 million for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Every August, Le Cure’s annual cycle event sees a group of intrepid participants – “The Curistas” – take on some of the Tour de France’s toughest climbs in the French Alps over four grueling days.
We spoke to three Curistas about their experiences on the ride and what inspires them to raise funds for breast cancer research.
Debbie
It felt like the opportunity of a lifetime!
Why did you decide to take part in the Le Cure ride?
"I have cycled with Le Cure for each of the last nine years so Le Cure 2025 will be my 10th anniversary and I am already excited at the prospect!
"I heard about Le Cure by chance in 2015 when a friend was asked to sponsor a Curista. I was really eager to join the Le Cure ‘family’, as it has become for me, since I had just discovered cycling and was being looked after at The Royal Marsden by the amazing Professor Ian Smith following my own breast cancer diagnosis three years earlier.
"The idea of being able to cycle alongside the doctor who had saved my life and raise money for breast cancer research in the process felt like the opportunity of a lifetime!"
Why is breast cancer research important to you?
"I am acutely aware that my own successful treatment was only possible because of past research. Now I want to help fund the next generation of research so that those patients coming after me will have the prospect of a cancer-free future."
What are your tips for fundraising?
"Speak from the heart. Ask unashamedly. Thank sponsors personally and keep them updated on the research."
Rob
I cannot stress how much Le Cure has changed my life
Why did you decide to take part in the Le Cure ride?
"I have taken part in four or five Le Cure rides. I was invited to ride by a friend who sang its praises from the mountain tops. He was spot on and as soon as I arrived on the first ride, I realised what he was saying."
Why is breast cancer research important to you?
"I have so many friends who have been diagnosed with this horrible disease and many have been treated and had positive outcomes, but some didn’t make it."
What has been your most unforgettable moment on the ride so far?
"My most unforgettable moment was experienced last year, when I rode with my son Joe. He got to see what his dad had experienced with the Le Cure ride. He is coming back next year together with some new recruits."
How would you motivate others to take part?
"This is the trip of a lifetime for young and old, fit or those just starting to ride. You will experience the collective endeavour of wonderful people supporting each other in order to raise valuable funds for much-needed research projects.
"There will be many emotions – laughter and tears, but mostly joy. I cannot stress how much the Le Cure ride has changed my life. As we say, 'It’s not all about the bike.'"
Jenni
The hardest battles are the ones in your head
What inspired you to take part in the Le Cure ride?
"I was a debutant at Le Cure 2024. A friend had been on the support team in previous years and had always told me about how amazing it would be to ride the event. I was new to cycling and it seemed like an impossible feat for me.
"In the beginning of 2024, my aunt was diagnosed with throat cancer. It was a reminder that life is short and tomorrow is never given. So I messaged my friend and said, 'Let’s do it. Let’s do Le Cure 2024.'"
Why is breast cancer research important to you?
"Cancer touches so many lives, and breast cancer has been a repeat offender among my circle of family and friends."
What advice would you give to someone participating for the first time?
"'Just keep pedalling.' Remember to look back at where you have come. There are low points mentally where you need to dig deep to keep pedalling, but a glance backwards to see what you have already achieved does give you an amazing boost.
"Forget the stats, forget the pb’s and average km per hour. Just enjoy it and smile."
How would you motivate others to take part?
"I was very unsure about the Le Cure ride. Would I be able to do it? I was only cycling for hour-long rides prior to signing up. Would I be able to commit to the training to get me ready?
"The hardest battles are the ones in your head, not the actual cycling. It will be hard. There will be moments when you question what you are doing, but that makes the sense of achievement so much better.
"The event support team are amazing. They are never far away and together with your fellow participants you’ll reach the top. Some of my friends are already in training for Le Cure 2025, so best sign up soon or there might not be any spaces left. You won’t regret it, trust me, the views at the top are worth it!"
Describe your first Le Cure experience in three words
"Bucket list experience."
Feeling inspired?
If you’re inspired by Debbie, Rob, and Jenni, and would like to raise funds for breast cancer research at The Royal Marsden, please register your interest in Le Cure 2025.
Your support could make more innovative breast cancer research possible.
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