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Cyclists tow 500 white roses from Harrogate to London for cancer charity

Wednesday, 10 September 2025 08:34

Brothers and professional cyclists Charlie and Harry Tanfield.

Two brothers have completed a 250-mile charity cycle from Harrogate to London whilst towing a trailer carrying 500 white roses.

Professional cyclists Charlie and Harry Tanfield, from Great Ayton, set off on Monday (8th September) and finished their journey yesterday (Tuesday), delivering the roses to Westminster in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The challenge was undertaken in memory of their mother, who died of cancer in 2019, and to highlight the charity’s campaign for improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment across the region.

The 500 roses, a mix of paper flowers created by Whitby artist Sophie Longhurst and handmade contributions from staff and volunteers, were chosen as a symbol of Yorkshire’s call for fairer recognition in the government’s forthcoming National Cancer Plan.

Yorkshire Cancer Research has pointed to figures showing the county has faced higher cancer incidence and mortality rates than other parts of the UK for the past 20 years.

The charity has argued that Yorkshire receives under 5% of national research funding despite representing 8% of the UK population, and is urging government to consider changes in funding allocation.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Cancer Research said:

"Each rose carries an important message to the Government - the needs of people in Yorkshire must be properly considered in the National Cancer Plan.

"The roses have been delivered. Now it's time for the Government to act."

Harry Tanfield, 30, said delivering the roses to Westminster represented the region’s call for fairer support.

His brother Charlie, 28, said they hoped the challenge would help raise awareness and benefit others in Yorkshire.

The Department of Health and Social Care has previously said its new cancer plan, expected later this year, will outline measures to improve survival rates and tackle disparities in outcomes across the country.

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