A cancer patient from Stalybridge persuaded his neurosurgeon to cycle from Manchester to Blackpool with him, raising money for The Christie.

Gareth Longden had brain tumour surgery whilst awake, known as awake craniotomy, at Salford Royal by consultant neurosurgeon Matt Bailey.

This procedure is often carried out, so the patient is able to respond during the operation, ensuring that no complications arise after the surgery.

“Sometimes it’s best to do brain surgery with patients awake so that we can map the brain’s function during the operation.

“In Gareth’s operation, we were testing his speech and got chatting about his love of cycling,” Matt said.

Matt was amazed to find that Gareth has completed the Manchester to Blackpool ride 7 times to raise money for cancer patients. After delving into his cycling passion, Matt was asked if he wanted to join Gareth on his next ride.

Feeling ‘inspired’ by Gareth’s dedication, Matt accepted the offer and supported him in raising highly appreciated funds.

After collapsing at work in 2021, Gareth was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Following his operation at Salford Royal, he was referred to The Christie for radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy.

“The staff in each department at The Christie have been incredible. Nothing is too much trouble for them and the care they give puts me at ease so I can concentrate on my treatment.

“I’m also very grateful to Matt and his team for the brain surgery he did at Salford Royal,” said Gareth.

Gareth’s fundraising for The Christie began in 2010 and he has now completed the iconic Manchester to Blackpool bike ride seven times. He has also ridden the Manchester 100 event three times.

“I enjoy cycling to keep fit but it also gives me the chance to clear my head.

“I wanted to take part in this year’s ride as I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and want to highlight what The Christie does to help patients like me.

“My dad and gran were both treated at The Christie over 10 years ago and my dad was back again for more treatment in 2016. Before my gran died in 2010, I promised that I would ride the Manchester to Blackpool ride each year if I was fit to do it.

“My cousin Graham was also treated at The Christie in 2020 and this shows how badly a family can be hit by cancer.”

Gareth is now urging other people to raise funds in whatever way they can. “The Christie can’t do the work it does without these extra funds,” he said. “I never thought I was going to need treatment, but you never know when cancer will strike.”

Although the ride has now finished, you can support Gareth’s fundraising page here.

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