Contractors take on charity cycle challenge 

Ashe Construction’s business development director is gearing up for a 500-mile sponsored bike relay to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

Andy Morris will set off today (20 September), joined by teams of colleagues and friends who will travel the length of the Loire Valley in France. 

Morris is motivated by personal experience after being diagnosed with a low-grade meningioma brain tumour. 

While recovering from surgery to remove the tumour, Morris suffered a seizure in November 2023 that resulted in him fracturing his spine in two places.

As part of his recovery, he is being monitored with regular scans which show his tumour is stable and he remains on life-long anti-seizure medication.

The charity bike ride is part of the annual Extra Mile Challenge, now in its 22nd year.

Morris will be joined by two teams of riders from Ashe Construction, alongside four teams from Red Construction, and a team from construction framework specialist Pagabo.

Commenting on the cycle challenge, Morris said: “I got back in the saddle in May this year after a year off due to my symptoms, which made being on a bike unsafe.

"I’ve not ridden a bike for more than an hour or two since breaking my back. I don’t know how I’ll feel during the challenge trying to cycle 60 miles each day, but I’m determined to do my bit.

“I wasn’t allowed to lift anything or bend forward, which meant I had to completely remove myself from any exercise other than physio to help strengthen my body. I’m very used to being active, and part of a running club, so it was hard for me to take time away from exercising.”

Morris added that he considers himself lucky, despite a high chance that his tumour will grow back. He is now committed to helping to support other patients.

“When I read up on brain tumours, I found out about the great work of Brain Tumour Research and was shocked to learn that just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002,” he said. 

“That motivated me to help be part of the solution and help raise money and awareness for other patients who face their own diagnosis.”

To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Morris’ Extra Mile Challenge, visit: www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/andy-s-extra-mile-challenge