Transport company boss Phil Hitchen swapped four wheels for two to cycle from his Greater Manchester home to Blackpool and back in aid of the hospital where he was once treated for cancer.
Phil, aged 53, managing director of Stockport-based bus and coach hire firm Belle Vue Manchester, raised more than £1,600 for The Christie, where in 2011 he underwent three months of chemotherapy before being given the all-clear.
A close friend of his, Wayne Hindle, was being treated at the same time but sadly died in 2013.
Phil set off from his home in Bredbury, Stockport, and clocked up 140 miles to the seaside resort and back in nine hours of cycling.
The money he has raised will go towards the CT scanning unit at The Christie.
Phil said: “I have always felt blessed to have been treated successfully at The Christie. The doctors there saved my life.
“At the time I was having chemotherapy, my wife was pregnant and I had a business to run. Despite the challenges, we acquired two companies while I was in hospital and I came out with a new zest for life.
“I’ve never forgotten the times that Wayne and I spent together in hospital and I miss him to this day. I rode in Wayne’s memory and, although it was quite a challenge, especially for the last 20 miles, I was determined to complete the ride.
“I have arthritis in my knees and was sore the following day, but it was worth the pain and effort to support the excellent work they do at the hospital and I’m sincerely grateful to all of my sponsors who made the day worthwhile.”
