An East Grinstead resident has completed a 600-mile cycle from Berlin to London, leading a team of 26 cyclists to raise funds for cancer research in memory of his father. George Southgate, 28, an insurance underwriter, organized the challenge after his father Mike died of bowel cancer in January 2022 at age 59.
Personal Motivation
Mike was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in April 2020 and underwent treatment for nearly two years, maintaining a positive attitude throughout. In his final stages, he wanted to participate in a clinical trial to help further research, even though it was unlikely to improve his own prognosis. George said: "In the final stages of my dad's illness... he wanted to take part in a clinical trial. He knew there was little chance it would improve his own prognosis, but instead could help clinicians gain a greater understanding of bowel cancer."
This selfless attitude inspired George to raise funds for The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), a world-leading research institute and charity. George's family has been deeply affected by cancer: his grandfather died in 2018 from acute myeloid leukaemia, and his uncle died at age 47 from osteosarcoma. His cousin Ben, who lost his mother to breast cancer in 2023, also joined the ride.
The Challenge
Starting on July 5, George and his team cycled from Berlin through Germany and the Netherlands, then took a ferry to the UK before finishing outside the ICR's labs in Chelsea on July 10. They covered about 100 miles per day through rural countryside, small towns, and villages. Many participants were not experienced cyclists but trained specifically for the event.
George had previously raised over £18,000 for the ICR in June 2022 by cycling from London to Paris with three others. This time, the team included many colleagues from the insurance industry to honor Mike's 40-year career in the sector.
Emotional Journey
George reflected on reaching Arnhem at the end of Day 4, where he had finished a previous charity cycle with his father in 2017. He said: "Reaching Arnhem at the end of Day 4 was a little bittersweet... I was very aware that he was the reason I put this whole cycle together, and his death was the reason for arriving back in Arnhem." Despite the tough moments, the camaraderie kept morale high. George added: "I feel unbelievably proud of the group... There were certainly tough moments, but the camaraderie within the group meant the morale was consistently high."
Fundraising Success
George has raised £165,000 so far to support the ICR's pioneering work, which focuses on making bowel cancer more preventable, predictable, and treatable. Sarah Castleman, sports and challenge events manager at the ICR, said: "Having George's support once again was fantastic... Cycling 600 miles over six days from Berlin to London would have been tough, but we know the whole group was incredibly passionate and motivated to make the biggest impact in memory of Mike."
To support George and raise funds for the ICR's vital research, visit www.justgiving.com/page/george-southgate-4.
