Je m'appelle Deb et voici mon histoire…
300 miles - there was a time it didn’t seem possible
Back in January 2021, despite having no love for cycling, I signed up to ride from London to Paris for Myeloma UK, that’s over 300 miles in 4 days. Little did I know, this would lead me to Stourbug Cycling Club, and I’ve never looked back.
The reason behind it all? In 2009, at the age of 34, I was diagnosed with myeloma - an incurable blood cancer - and given a prognosis of just 2-5 years. It turned our world upside down, but once I processed the diagnosis, fundraising became something I could control. Since then, with the help of my amazing family and friends, we’ve raised £230,000 for Myeloma UK. My goal is to reach £250,000 by the end of my 50th year (January 2026).
I started cycling on an e-bike, and when the London2Paris ride was postponed that year, the Stourbug team rallied behind me. They organised the ‘Not the London2Paris’ ride, so my fundraising wouldn’t stall. They got me from cycling 10 miles to completing over 300 miles across the UK, with Stourbugs riding alongside me for this amazing 4 day challenge.
They continued supporting me, helping me prepare for the official London2Paris ride in 2022 - a humbling, challenging, and amazing experience. By then, I was strong enough to ride a traditional road bike.
Recently, I’ve had a relapse and started new treatment, so I can’t cycle much. But in May 2026, I’m planning to join the London2Paris Myeloma UK team again and am getting people signed up for this with me. I’m hoping my treatment won’t stop me from taking part a second time! Whether it’s on the e-bike or road bike, I know that, with the Stourbug crew behind me, I’ll have the support I need to succeed. And every mile will bring me closer to that £250,000 goal!
I feel incredibly lucky to still be here and able to cycle. It’s become my lifeline beyond fundraising. And I know, no matter what, my Stourbug friends will always have my back.
To anyone unsure about what they can achieve on a bike I’d say “If I can do it, you can too” especially with such a supportive, welcoming club like Stourbug.
Follow Deb’s fundraising efforts here
Deb’s Just Giving page is here
