CANCER patient Chris Wakefield, 71, is gearing up for a 100-mile cycling challenge to say thank you to The Christie, the specialist cancer centre where he was treated.
The grandfather of four underwent a successful autologous stem cell transplant in 2012 and is taking on the Manchester 100 bike ride at the end of August as part of a team to celebrate his health. A retired chemical engineer, from Lymm, Chris has always been a keen cyclist having completed John O’Groats to Lands End in just nine days in 2010.
He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April 2012 after suffering severe back pain on holiday in Italy.
Chris, who is married to Joan, said; “I underwent my chemotherapy first at Wythenshawe Hospital and was then referred to The Christie. My stem cells were harvested and I was then admitted as an inpatient in November 2012 for a high dose of chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.”
He underwent an autologous stem cell transplant which uses the patient’s own stem cells in the transfusion as opposed to having to find a donor match.
Patients are given a higher dose of chemotherapy which also kills the stem cells. Following the chemotherapy, the harvested stem cells are put back, which can then make normal blood cells again.
Chris added: “The team on the haematology and transplant unit at The Christie were absolutely brilliant. All the nurses were super and very understanding. After 17 days I was deemed well enough to go home as my blood count was going in the right direction.”
Chris was readmitted to The Christie on Christmas Day morning in 2012 after suffering with an infection. Following treatment he was well enough to go home the same day and enjoy Christmas dinner with his family.
He said: “Christmas morning in The Christie will stay with me forever – I even got a present. The care given when you’re at your lowest is outstanding, nothing is too much trouble and every single person is like that. Doctors and nurses go the extra mile and all the arrangements and planning were second to none.
“My myeloma became apparent when I crushed several vertebrae and one of my fears was not being able to get back to a physically active life again.
“The staff were great at encouraging me and giving me confidence to become active again. When I was recovering at home, the availability of a specialist nurse at the end of a phone was invaluable for answering all the questions I hadn’t thought of at the time.
“Almost exactly a year after beginning treatment, I began cycling again. The bike ride will be a challenge but not insurmountable I hope.
“It was my daughter Tamsin’s idea, who is doing the ride along with her husband for The Christie. They’re not especially keen cyclists and I hadn’t dreamt of doing this, but afterwards I thought why not and signed up.”
Chris, who still has blood checks every month, has been busy training and completed 35 miles in two and a half hours recently, so is confident of going the distance on the day.
The Christie is once again the official charity for the Manchester 100 Bike Ride which takes place on Sunday 31st August.
This stunning 100km or 100mile bike ride starts and finishes at Wythenshawe Park leaving Manchester to take in the stunning Cheshire Countryside of Northwich, Middlewich and Delamere Forest.
To donate to Chris’ fund please visit: www.justgiving.com/Christopher-Wakefield1
Cancer patient takes on 100-mile challenge
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