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Harrogate friends to cycle 470 miles for brain tumour charity

Friday, 10 July 2026 07:39

Simon Grafton, Tim North, Paddy Kidd, Phil Webb, Rob George and David Rowley.

A group of six friends from the Harrogate area are preparing to cycle 470 miles in six days to raise £20,000 for Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity.

Having shared more than two decades of friendship through golf, Simon Grafton, Tim North, Paddy Kidd, Phil Webb, Rob George and David Rowley will swap the fairways for the open road this August.

The group will set off from Oxshott in Surrey on 25th August, cycling to Portsmouth before taking the overnight ferry to St Malo.

They will then continue through France, finishing in Bordeaux on 30th August after covering more than 470 miles.

The challenge was inspired after the friends saw first-hand the impact a brain tumour diagnosis had on another close friend.

They hope to raise vital funds to support people affected by brain tumours across Yorkshire, as well as research into kinder and more effective treatments.

Phil Webb said:

"For me, I've had family affected by various forms of cancer, but before this cycling challenge, I only knew a little about brain tumours. There's been very little research into them, while a lot of other cancers are very well supported.

"During our lifetime we've seen so many improvements in cancer treatments, and we know why. It's because of ordinary people taking on challenges like this, where people raise money to fund essential research."

Rob George added:

"Everyone is touched by cancer."

Although all six regularly take part in sport, only two consider themselves experienced cyclists.

Phil said:

"We're not all regular cyclists. We're fit through our individual sports, but we have a lot to do to get where we need to be."

Paddy Kidd joked:

"Dave has only just come off his tricycle."

The friends have been training individually and together whenever possible, with most days of the challenge involving between 65 and 70 miles in the saddle. The final two days are expected to be the toughest, with around 90 miles each day.

Tim North, who has been preparing in Mallorca, believes the French summer heat could be their biggest obstacle.

He said:

"The route is mostly flat, but it's the heat that I'm really concerned about."

The riders will travel as a peloton, taking turns at the front to help shield each other from the wind, while a support vehicle driven by three of their wives will follow with supplies and encouragement.

The challenge won't end in Bordeaux for Simon Grafton, who is also planning to run the Bordeaux Marathon just a week after completing the cycle ride.

He said:

"After taking on the cycle challenge with the team, I wanted to find another way to continue supporting such an important cause. If I can push myself further and help raise more awareness and funds for people affected by brain tumours, then it will all be worthwhile."

The team hopes local people and businesses will support the challenge by donating or sponsoring the ride as they aim to raise £20,000 for Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity.

To support the team’s fundraising efforts, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cycle-team-fundraising-for-yorkshires-brain-tumour-charity 

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