I'm a double cancer survivor, cyclist and walker who does various challenges for different charities, mainly cancer-related.

In 2016 I climbed every single 'Birkett' in the Lake District - all 542 fells over 1,000' within the National Park, including all 214 Wainwrights. I've also done a three-week cycle tour of Tasmania in February 2015 and amongst other things, I've cycled from Land's End to John o'Groats (2003), Rotterdam to Lemvig (Denmark) (2005), walked the Pennine Way (2008) completed (my first) ascent of all 214 'Wainwrights' in the Lake District in only 55 days (2009), cycled 4,500 miles around the coast of Great Britain (2011), cycled all 42 of the accessible Western Isles of Scotland in under a month (2012), twice abseiled 230 ft from the top of The Big One in Blackpool, cycled the WWI Western Front from London to Compiegne via Ypres and Arras (2014), cycled 750 miles in the Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton (2014), done a bit of sky-diving and cycled Australia's Great Ocean Road - just before lockdown in 2020.

Altogether I've raised over £120,000 for my charities including The Christie, Cancer Research UK, the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, and ABF (The Soldiers' Charity) and I was mightily chuffed to receive the British Empire Medal in the 2014 New Year's Honours List.

I'm a Rotarian and give illustrated talks about my adventures in exchange for a donation to charity, so if you're looking for a speaker leave me a message. I am also Event Organiser for the Ribble Valley Ride Cycle Sportive, to be held this year on Sunday 5 September 2021 - more details at www.ribblevalleyride.org

You can also follow me on Twitter - @CancerBikeMan and on Facebook - just search for Bill Honeywell

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research, whilst The Rosemere does fantastic work for patients in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Friday 29 April 2011

In Memory of Geoff Braithwaite

To my great surprise, Clitheroe Lions have awarded me their annual Geoff Braithwaite Award, in memory of their founder member Geoff Braithwaite MBE who also happened to be a second or third cousin of my mother (I won't bore you with the genealogical details).

I'm very flattered, and last night Val and I went to the Lions' meeting to receive it, together with a cheque for £250 for Cancer Research UK.  The award was given in 'recognition of my charity fund raising efforts' and it's jolly nice to get an award for something you like doing anyway!

Geoff's widow Diane, who lives in Downham, the village where Val was born (apologies if this is sounding a bit like nepotism) was also there to present the award, and is in the photo alongside David Hepworth, Lions President.

The other highlight of the night was a 'job-talk' from Brian Cushing. I have known Brian for over 45 years and - like everybody else - never really knew what he did for a living, other than he was a man of mystery. Now retired, last night he revealed all, and it was a fascinating and hilarious talk. Now we know just what he did - but if I told you I'd have to shoot you of course, so it has to end there.
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