Epic cycle ride to help fund world-class research into beating cancer
Friends, family and loved ones affected by cancer have inspired Tesco store manager Robert Milner to take on an ambitious 22-hour bike ride.
Robert, store manager at the Tesco Whiteley Superstore, was compelled to pull on his cycling shorts after seeing how the disease continues to affect the everyday lives of his colleagues and customers, either personally receiving cancer treatment or going through the pain of losing loved ones.
As part of his continued efforts, Robert will take on a gruelling 300-mile cycle ride to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Funds raised will support the charity’s world-class research into the prevention, detection and treatment of more than 200 types of cancer through the work of more than 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.
Robert said: “The idea for this ride is to cycle 300 miles in a day, visiting 27 Tesco stores. It will be a real test of fitness and mind over matter, as I'll be in the saddle for more than 22 hours. This will be my longest ride ever.
“I’m proud to be raising money for Cancer Research UK, which needs every penny it gets to keep making progress for people affected by cancer.”
The 300-mile cycle ride is the latest in a series of fundraising fitness events that Robert has been involved in with his colleagues.
He has previously raised more than £10,000 for the Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust by running three marathons.
Last year he was also involved in the Jurassic Challenge, with 26 Tesco stores raising more than £40,000 for Cancer Research UK, walking the 14 miles from Weymouth Pavilion to Lulworth Cove – but Robert didn’t stop there. He cycled 85 miles from his home in Portsmouth to Weymouth, did the walk and then cycled home.
Robert added: “The reason for my endurance riding comes from my Dad, a keen cyclist who went out in 1960 to see how far he could ride in a day. He managed 213 miles.
“I decided in 2023 to try the Chase the Sun UK South event, a 210-mile ride from the Isle of Sheppey to Western-super-Mare, starting at sunrise and finishing before sunset – but I did an extra five miles, beating my Dad.
“Last month, I cycled the 259 miles from my house to my parents in Doncaster, an epic ride in one day that took me 20 hours. So this 300-miler is the next natural progression.”
Tesco has worked in partnership with Cancer Research UK for more than two decades, raising millions of pounds to help beat the disease.
Olivia Boughton, Cancer Research UK partnerships manager, said: “We wish Robert the very best of luck.
“Every step we take towards beating cancer is thanks to our supporters and partners like Tesco, so we’re incredibly grateful to Robert and his colleagues for their tireless commitment to the cause.
“Together, they’re helping to give people affected by cancer in Hampshire – and across the UK – more precious moments with their loved ones.”
Robert’s cycle ride takes place on 4 and 5 July. To support his efforts, community champions from nearby Tesco stores will organise a series of other fundraising events.
Anyone wanting to donate to Robert’s fundraising total can go online at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/group-47-tour-de-tesco-fundraiser