A Harrogate man, whose wife died just 36 hours after being diagnosed with leukaemia, is cycling the equivalent of Mount Everest to fund vital research.
James Badger, who lives in Kettlesing, last year marked the first anniversary of his wife Phillipa’s death by cycling 1,600km from Lands End to John O’Groats.
He raised £200,000 towards his £300,000 target, which is funding a research project into Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
Mr Badger’s late wife was diagnosed with AML at the age of 42 and died less than two days later – leaving him and their three children behind.
Now, to mark the second anniversary of Phillipa’s death, Mr Badger and two friends will climb the equivalent of the world’s tallest mountain on a bike.
Instead of flying to Nepal, Mr Badger will cycle up and down Lackon Bank in Birstwith 90 times to cover the 8,900m distance.
The 1km hill, which runs past Phillipa’s grave at St James’ Church, has a 16% gradient at the start and averages around a 10% gradient as it continues.
Mr Badger said:
“To mark the second anniversary, I wanted to do something a bit different. Whereas our Lands End to John O’Groats challenge was very tough, it was spread over eight days and a lot of people have tackled that ride.
“Climbing the equivalent in height of Mount Everest in one day is something that not so many people have done. It is also closer to home and we’re hoping lots of people will come out and support us on the day.
“This is quite an extreme thing to attempt and is going to definitely be a harder challenge than last year. But for me it is also very personal, as we will be cycling past Philippa’s grave at St James’ Church in Birstwith 90 times before finally reaching the highest point on earth.”
Philippa Badger died within just 36 hours of being diagnosed with leukaemia, leaving behind her husband James and three young children.
The three-year research project into AML began at Cardiff University in January. Mr Badger is hopeful he can raise the final £100,000 to complete the project.
He also said:
“Through the work of BloodCancerUK, survival rates for childhood leukaemia have improved from just 10 per cent in the 1960s and 70s to almost 85 per cent.
“Research can make a real difference and AML has not had the same level of funding and research that childhood leukaemia has had, which is why it is so important for us to fund this research project.”
Mr Badger told the Stray Ferret he is feeling “very motivated for the ride” and said passing his wife’s grave on every lap will keep him going. He added:
“It will be a much harder challenge than cycling from Land’s End to John o’Groats, physically and mentally, keeping going for 20 hours will be very tough, but with support of friends and family I am confident I’ll make it to the top!
“Training is going ok, but this is something I’m not sure I can ever fully prepare for!”
Mr Badger will take on the ‘Rise to the Stars’ challenge on Saturday, May 4.
He, along with friends Richard Baldwin and Adam Ellis, will start their challenge at 4am and hope to complete the ride by 11pm.
Mr Badger’s three children will support him during the challenge, and he welcomes anyone to watch them throughout the day.
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