A devoted father from Somerset is preparing to cycle the gruelling Tour de France route to raise vital funds for a blood cancer charity. Scott McGowan, who works at the Specsavers store in Taunton, was inspired to take on the epic challenge by his 15-year-old daughter, Daisy, who has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Epic Challenge Details
As part of the dedicated 'Tour 21' amateur cycling team, Scott will ride all 21 stages of the famous route, covering an incredible 3,333km and enduring 54,450m of climbing. The team aims to complete the massive journey on July 19, 2026, finishing just one week ahead of the professional riders.
Fundraising for Cure Leukaemia
All of the money raised from the challenge will go directly to Cure Leukaemia to help fund pioneering research, clinical trials, and life-saving treatments. Scott said: “As a team, we have a target of £1m to raise. This challenge is especially close to my heart because my daughter, Daisy, has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
“Watching her go through treatment has shown me how tough this disease is and how vital new research and clinical trials are. No child, no family, should have to face what she and so many others are going through. Every mile I ride will be for her - and for everyone affected by leukaemia.
“By taking on the full Tour de France route, I want to do everything I can to support Cure Leukaemia so that more patients can access life-saving trials, better treatments and, ultimately, brighter futures.”
Colleagues Show Support
Cure Leukaemia helps blood cancer patients access advanced drug and transplant therapies by funding a network of specialist research nurses across the UK. To support Scott in his monumental effort, 25 of his colleagues at the Taunton Specsavers store are teaming up to match his cycling distance on foot. The store staff will walk a combined total of 2,175 miles individually to show solidarity with their friend and boost the fundraising total.
Holly Wainwright, a director at the store, said: “We’re taking on this challenge in support of our dear friend and colleague, Scott, and his family. As a team, we wanted to do our part to help Scott and support this incredibly worthy cause. To match his dedication and commitment, we have come together to walk the same distance he is cycling.
“Without Cure Leukaemia’s nurses to ensure patients are monitored and cared for, clinical trials of new treatments would not run, and patients who have exhausted standard treatment options would miss out on potentially lifesaving therapies.
“Over the years, Scott has been there for so many of us - not only as a colleague, but as a friend. Through work, friendship, humour and kindness, he has always shown up for others, and now we want to show up for him.”
Fundraising Progress
The Tour 21 initiative has already raised nearly £30,000 for the charity this year. Anyone who would like to support Scott and the Taunton team's fundraising challenge can donate via their official JustGiving page online.
