Bike ride from Goodison Park to Old Trafford to fund cancer treatment

Martin Hughes was diagnosed in January with a rare cancer of the throat, called small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.

While the 37-year-old dad-of-three is “fighting for his life with all the stubbornness and enthusiasm he has”, this comes at a cost due to his treatment not being available on the NHS. 

Martin is using oxygen tanks, and other treatments, with the cost approximately at £6,500 every three weeks, which is barely being met by him and his family. 

Martin, with his mum (Image: Submitted)

With costs set to increase as the weeks go by, a group of Martin’s friends decided to set up a fundraising page and take on the challenge to help “one of the most loveable lads you would ever meet”.

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Richard Maxwell, Roberto Bromilow, Daniel Mather, Michael Wilson and Craig Witton are set to pedal 32 miles from Goodison Park, the home of Martin’s beloved Everton Football Club, to Old Trafford on the day the Blues play Manchester United on Saturday, April 8.

The group all grew up in Rainford and went to school with each other, and, while many have moved away from the area, they are all coming together to rally to Martin’s aid.

(left to right) Craig, Daniel, Michael and Richard (Image: Submitted)

It is hoped Martin will join his friends for part of the day during the challenge.

“Everybody has moved out and about but we are still a tight group of mates,” said Richard, who lives in Haresfinch.

“We need to raise money. In addition to his NHS treatment, his other treatment comes at great cost.

“He is a dad of three children and wants the same chance of life as anybody else. We are going to help him for as long as we can and hopefully he’ll beat the cancer.

“We are hoping to raise more money on the day with donations along the way.

“It is a great challenge for us, 32 miles, we’re not overly athletic!”  

Roberto Bromilow has helped set up a GoFundMe page for Martin (Image: Submitted) 

A GoFundMe page set up for Martin said: “Times are hard financially for everyone and #teammartin appreciate that, but if anyone could spare anything to help save the life of one of the kindest, most loveable lads you would ever meet, it would be appreciated by everyone who has ever had the privilege of meeting Martin.”

• Visit bit.ly/420yxT7 to donate.