A group of lycra-clad football fans will be taking on a 200-mile cycle ride in support of a 10-year-old from Sheffield with a brain tumour and to raise funds for the charity that has supported her, CLIC Sargent.
The group of eight will cycle a 100-mile route around nine football clubs in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, taking in a visit to the Technique Stadium on Friday.
The group, Amber’s MAMILs (Middle Aged Men In Lycra), will be putting their fitness to the test on 21 and 22 May to raise money for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people. They have so far raised more than £2,400.
The group’s effort was inspired by local 10-year-old Amber, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just eight months old. Since diagnosis, Amber has undergone surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as treatment abroad.
In 2020, she underwent more surgery and treatment. Amber is now blind, has hormone deficiencies and her teeth have not developed properly. Throughout her diagnosis and treatment, Amber’s family have been supported emotionally and financially by CLIC Sargent.
Amber’s Mum, Lara, said: “It’s not an understatement to say we wouldn’t have got through the last nine years in the same way if they hadn’t been there for us. I can’t imagine them not being there for other families in this situation. In a world where there is so much unknown, when everything else can change so quickly, I always know CLIC Sargent are there for us.”
Last year in South Yorkshire, CLIC Sargent supported 275 local families, giving out 154 financial grants to the value of £31,320 helping families to cope with the costs of cancer. The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.
Jenny Dixon, CLIC Sargent Fundraising Engagement Manager for Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, said: “When cancer strikes young lives we fight tirelessly to limit the damage it causes beyond their health. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank Amber’s MAMILs enough for their fantastic efforts.
“This incredible challenge the MAMILs are taking on will make a massive difference for young people with cancer, like Amber, by helping us ensure they are getting the support they need.”
To sponsor Amber’s MAMILs for their 200 mile cycle, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AmberMamils
For more information about CLIC Sargent’s work go to www.clicsargent.org.uk
