C&C celebrates homecoming of cycling fundraiser

C&C Insurance Brokers have hosted Professor Rob Wynn, the paediatric haematologist who cycled all 21 stages of the Tour de France route to help raise over £1 million for Cure Leukaemia, at a celebratory homecoming event on Saturday (22nd July), at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground.

The backdrop to the celebration was the fourth day of the Fourth Ashes Test, with England comfortably leading Australia. Although most of the day was subject to a rain delay, this didn’t dampen the celebratory atmosphere in the C&C box with plenty of people wanting to hear all about Rob’s great adventure.

Amongst the guests there to congratulate and celebrate Rob’s achievements were Sale and England Flankers, Tom and Ben Curry; Sale Fly Half, Tom Curtis; BBC Northwest Tonight Presenter Roger Johnson; ex-England cricket captain, David Gower; Lancashire legend Warren Hegg; Joe White, Head of Sports at Cure Leukaemia; former Sports Reporter of the Year, Ian Stafford; and Gareth Small, trumpeter for the Hallé Orchestra.

Rob shared tales of cycling in over 35C, of being exposed to electrical storms whilst at mountain summits, of climbing gradients that people would struggle to even walk up and the impact of lack of sleep on both his mind and body. It really was a super-human effort but one that was incredibly worthwhile, with over £56,000 being raised by him, personally. The funds raised will initiate clinical trials of the use of cells from umbilical cords being used in life-saving transfusions in children.

Professor Rob Wynn said:

“I really can’t thank C&C enough, for all their support, donations and generally putting the message out there to help raise awareness of the trials, the ride and the fundraising.

“Before C&C became involved, I was a little concerned about how I’d even achieve the individual £30k target. The fact that I’ve almost doubled it, blows my mind!”

C&C Insurance Brokers’ Managing Director, Malcolm Cooke said:

“We’ve been following Rob throughout the course of his ride and are staggered by the scale of his achievements: over 2,200 miles and climbing seven times the height of Everest! We can only imagine the physical and mental demands he had to manage. He says he’s not a pro-cyclist but he’s certainly no amateur! And to be approaching £60k in fundraising is just phenomenal. It’s been a privilege and an honour to support him on this adventure and we wish him every success as he starts the clinical trials.”

Rob is based at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and his fundraising page will remain open for the foreseeable future as the challenge is significant and constant, and any contributions will be greatly appreciated. Even during the time it took for the riders to complete this tour of the 21 stages, 2339 more people were diagnosed with blood cancer in the UK.

Special thanks also go to Emirates Old Trafford for providing such excellent service throughout the day’s celebrations, and to all the ground staff for managing to ensure some cricket was played despite the decidedly Mancunian weather!