Townson will don his Uniworld-branded cycling jersey to tackle the 60-mile Manchester to Blackpool route on Sunday (10 July) as he raises money for The Christie Charitable Fund.

His wife Emma was diagnosed with breast cancer in March - one of 55,000 UK women each year - with the organisation supporting their family through her ongoing treatment.

Based in Manchester, the Christie NHS Foundation Trust is the largest single site cancer centre in Europe, treating more than 60,000 patients a year.

Donations raised by Townson will go towards supporting a number of Christie services, such as its cancer information centre, wig fitting service, art room and complementary therapy, as well as an expanding research facility.

“It’s early days for us, and Emma is responding well to treatment, but it’s obviously been a rollercoaster since she was first diagnosed. We have been so lucky to have the most amazing support and dedication of the team at The Christie and it has been inspiring to see first-hand the operation underway there,” said Townson.

“They give phenomenal care to families like us that are navigating this scary journey, as well as undertaking world-class research to try to limit the effects of this terrible disease.” 

Townson said he wanted to “show our gratitude and raise vital funds” for the Christie Charitable Fund and had decided to take on the cycle ride with a group friends.

“It all came about quite quickly, so I’ve hardly trained and had to find myself a second-hand bike. I’m not sure I’m ready for it, but it’ll be worth it, and I’m so grateful to everyone – including our travel industry partners – that have been generous enough to sponsor us. It goes to show what an amazing bunch you all are,” he added.
 
To sponsor Townson’s cycle and support the Christie Charitable Fund, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-townson2