Keith Owens, a 74-year-old hero from Ashton, has amazed his friends and family after completing 300-miles by bike in honour of his late wife.

Committed to raising as much money as possible for Cancer Research after losing his dear wife Margaret to a rare form of breast cancer, Keith has geared himself up to complete a mammoth cycling challenge.

As a big lover of health and fitness, he knew that he wanted a challenge to push himself further than before.

“I was a member of East Cheshire Harriers for many years, and I always loved running in the hills, so the cycling that I do is all off-road.

“I stopped running in the 1980s but then tried to start again a few years ago. However, my knees gave in, and I had a severe case of osteoarthritis,” Keith said.

To combat this, he was recommended by one of his running friends to try cycling, and since then he has never looked back.

“It strengthens the quadricep muscles which helps to ease the pain in my knees. So, I feel fantastic now and it’s really helping me out.”

A lover of nature, Keith loves to explore the various terrains and climbs around Tameside, especially around Hartshead Pike. He follows an exciting route, taking him on an adventure around Luzley and over many windy roads.

“I do around 11 miles of cycling every day. Some days I add more on, meaning it will be 15 miles, and one day I did 20 miles.

“I love a challenge and it’s all about how I feel on the day, I love being out on the bike,” he said.

Setting himself the goal of completing 300 miles of cycling throughout June, Keith has already outdone himself, racking up 313 miles before the month has even come to an end.

However, he says that he won’t stop here, as he is determined to keep going every day.

Keith says he has a huge incentive to carry out this fundraising challenge, honouring everything to his beautiful wife Margaret.

Margaret lost her battle with metastatic triple negative breast cancer on 31 October 2020. Keith hopes that by fundraising, he can help Cancer Research in their work to detect this aggressive cancer sooner, ultimately saving many more lives.

During this he is undoubtedly making not only Margaret, but the rest of his family so proud, including his wonderful children.

Keith is aiming to raise £500 for the charity and is very close to reaching his goal. He has been massively supported by his brother-in-law, Brian, who agreed to donate £250 for this incredible cause.

Completing his set 300 miles, Keith is planning to continue with his love of cycling, saying he will perhaps look for another fundraising challenge in the future.

You can help Keith in his mission to save lives by donating here.

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