A maritime engineer from Cumbria is embarking on an epic 780-mile charity cycling challenge across Spain in memory of his father-in-law who died from cancer.
Grad Pitman, from Ulverston, will cycle coast-to-coast from Santander in the north to Mijas Pueblo in the south – around 780 miles in total – to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The dad-of-two, a keen cyclist and fell-walker, will spend around 11 days in the saddle, covering more than 75 miles a day, climbing hills up to 5,000ft and enduring temperatures approaching 35 degrees.
The 47-year-old will set off on his solo cycling challenge on Monday, May 16, and he hopes to raise more than £2,500 for the cancer charity.
Grad, who is a member of Barrow Central Wheelers Cycling Club, said: “I’m a little bit anxious but also looking at it as an adventure. It’s going to be tough, but I am fully committed to the challenge and it’s amazing how far you can push the human body when you want to. I am determined to complete the trip in memory of such a special man and to also raise as much as I can for such a worthy cause.”
He is undertaking his gruelling fundraiser in memory of his father-in-law, Chris Edward Freeman, who lived in Ribchester, Lancashire, with his wife Judy, Grad’s mother-in-law.
Oxford-educated Chris, who was a prominent member of Ribchester Amateur Theatrical Society, had a successful career as a solicitor. He eventually became, and continued to sit as a District Judge and Recorder until he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in April 2014 and sadly died in December that year, aged just 70.
Chris received support from a Macmillan nurse and also from the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service based at Royal Preston Hospital.
Grad added: “He was very successful and well respected. Just a remarkable guy. To me, Chris was a loving father-in-law and friend. He was always incredibly kind and supportive towards me and our entire family. Quite simply, he was one of the best.
“I have chosen to support Macmillan because for many of us this is not an unfamiliar story, which has the same sad ending. I wanted to do something special in memory of my father-in-law, whilst also raising funds for Macmillan, so they can continue to provide the vital physical, emotional and financial support for other families affected by cancer.”
To support Grad’s fundraiser go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gradsoloc2cspainapril2020?fbclid=IwAR3f202Bz4Sx6mP6dbPyqyPmVl70fdW8vBD3uFW69RFOSf-EiQPmGsEpNpM
