Brain Tumour Research Island Randonnée returns this weekend

The seventh edition of the Brain Tumour Research Isle of Wight Randonnée takes place this weekend.

Participants take their pick from three distances, each offering a scenic tour of the Island on Saturday, July 6.

The annual event sees hordes of cyclists speed around the Island, raising vital funds to support the charity’s search for a cure.

Among those taking part this year is Simon Tier, 56, from Fareham, whose relationship with Brain Tumour Research began in 2011 when his friend and best man was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM).

In November 2015, Simon’s best man died, and in the six months that followed, he tragically lost a further four friends to the disease, all similarly aged between their early 40s and late 50s.

The period would shape the future of Simon’s life, and in 2017, he launched the first Brain Tumour Research Randonnée.

To sign up, visit the event website here.

To make a donation to Simon’s ongoing fundraising campaign, visit his JustGiving Page.

Simon said: “It’s my baby. I will always be here, supporting the charity in whatever way I can, and hopefully making the event bigger and bigger, and making it an iconic event in the cycling and charity calendar.”

Last year, the Randonnée raised a record-breaking £19,500 for the cause, whilst Simon’s personal JustGiving page, which he started after his best friend was diagnosed, has now reached more than £40,000.

Are you taking part in the Randonnée this year? Or watching from afar?

Be sure to send your results and pictures to the County Press by emailing editor@iwcp.co.uk