Cancer Support France

Cycle for Life 2019

The fifth CSF Cycle for Life took the cyclists from the highs of the Haut-Languedoc National Park to the lows of the Roussillon plain (with a couple of hills thrown in) over a period of 5 days.  28 cyclists took part for one or more days and a gallant 9 cycled the entire route, enduring not only the highs and lows but also erratic weather.

The ride commenced in Mazamet with two glorious sunny days accompanying the cyclists across to Bédarieux.  Cycling along the voie verte, converted from a  former railway track, the views were stunning and pretty villages abounded.  A short train trip was needed into Béziers and day 3 began in rain.  The rain continued unrelenting until the end was, thankfully, reached at the coast at Gruissan, a lovely fishing port (when you can see it through the drizzle).    The weather truly tested the cyclists, who were obliged to wring out their socks and gloves at a lunchtime café, leaving puddles on the floor.  Day 4 was bright and sunny with a strong wind which didn’t upset a lovely picnic on the beach and an afternoon tea stop in Port Leucate with CSF members.

Canigou, the mountain that rises from the Roussillon plain, was just visible through the clouds as the cyclists headed inland to Perpignan for the final celebratory buffet lunch in a pretty public garden area.  With impeccable timing, the fountains began to play at noon to welcome the cyclists some 15 minutes later.

The CSF Cycle for Life is not a race, nor is it only for raising funds. It is a fun way for people to share an experience, and the wonderful feeling of camaraderie as they tackled the challenges of the weather was evident.  It also brings CSF some much needed publicity along the way.  This year, sponsorship means that we are well on the way to reaching our target of €10.000, which is needed to fund the Trainers’ Conference and Train the Trainer programme in November.

A huge thank you to the helpers and supporters without whom the ride would not be possible, and to the many sponsors who provided help, publicity and funds.  Thanks to Pat, the National President, for joining in the last three days and to Elizabeth and Curtis who came again all the way from New York to share the first three days with us.  Of course, the biggest thank you must go to the cyclists.  Without them there could have been no Cycle for Life.  Very many thanks to you all and especially to the Magnificent Nine.

Penny Parkinson, CSF Sud de France – September 2019

Pop over to the Gallery to see the more pictures of our intrepid riders.

As President of CSF National, I want to say a huge ‘thank you!!’ to all the cyclists who took part this year and who have raised much needed funds for the national Association.
The ride was wonderfully organised by past president Penny Parkinson who has posted a gallery of photographs and an article. Thank you Penny!”

Pat Lockett, President CSF France – September 2019

L’Ardèchoise is not a race, but an endurance ride for cyclists over a period of 4 days. The route is through the diverse and beautiful Ardèche countryside but I doubt Chris had much chance to view the scenery.

Over the four days he: –

• cycled 630 kms
• climbed 10851 metres
• spent 29 hours in the saddle

• burned 24,200 calories

• averaged a speed of 21.8kph

No wonder he said on arrival at the finishing line that it was exhausting but also exhilarating and a fantastic experience. As a result, Chris is continuing to raise significant funds for CSF, his Alvarum website has now reached almost €1300.

If you would like to support Chris and his amazing effort for CSF (and the Paris to Pyrénées challenge is yet to come), then do consider sponsoring him here:  https://www.alvarum.com/chrisdowd

And very many thanks, Chris from all at CSF!!

Although this is a past event, we are pleased to confirm that in the end, Chris raised €2356. We thank Chris for this very valiant effort.

Chris’s words onhis Alvarum page

Touch wood, everything is going very much to plan still. In the last few days, I passed 13,000km cycled so far this year, so I am very much on target to tick over the 15,000km target total during the Tour Eiffel to Col du Tourmalet challenge … which is rather frighteningly coming up in under 4 weeks time.

Hopefully, I will see many of you at the Col du Tourmalet at about 14:15 on Sunday, September 8th, but if not, then for sure please keep an eye on your inbox the previous week for regular updates on my progress from Paris – I start the ride at 15:00 on Friday 30th August at the foot of the Tour Eiffel, seen on my way by members of CSF Paris.

For more photos, look at the Gallery

September 2019

Free Drinks for CSF

Early in July our administration assistant, Sasha, and husband Darren, kindly opened up their garden in the Tarn-et-Garonne on a very warm evening for a picnic and great entertainment from ‘The Free Drinks Band’ and friends.

CSF is very grateful to all band members and their musician friends who gave their time freely. Over a thousand euros was raised on behalf of the local and national Associations.

July 2019

CSF are very grateful to Credit Agricole Britline for their fantastic donation of €785.95 to the national coffers. The money was raised from a staff ‘Bake Off’ competition during April. CSF Nord President, Cathy Allen, attended the HQ in Caen to pick up the cheque.

Britline are keen supporters of Cancer Support France, and have recently made sure that all of their telephone representatives are aware of what CSF offers, as they frequently receive calls from English-speaking people who don’t know where else to turn for help.

June 2019

CSF were invited to join the British Embassy celebrations for the Queen’s Birthday, and Sarah Valinsky from Paris & Île-de-France was the lucky one who represented us.

This year, the British Embassy Paris celebrated British culture and innovation at its annual Queen’s Birthday Party. In partnership with the Franco-British festival Le Crxssing, the evening started with The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland marching down the Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The evening continued with a live performance of different Shakespeare acts, a Visit Britain virtual reality experience, bagpipers, a sunset ceremony and a concert, featuring French singer Clara Luciani and British pianist Jamie Cullum.

See photos in the Gallery

June 2019

A representative from Cancer Support France has been invited by the British Ambassador to a reception at the consulate in November. Pat Lockett will be attending for us. Have fun Pat!

November 2018