Bike Ride Taking Place On 4 September

A West Yorkshire woman who lost her husband to asbestos cancer is continuing her fund-raising for a national charity by organising a 28-mile bike ride.

Alexandra Raine was left devastated when her husband Paul (known as Ash) died from mesothelioma last November aged 58.  This was one year after he was diagnosed with the condition, which is a terminal cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos often decades previously.

Prior to his death, Ash and Alexandra instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness.  The couple also regularly attended the Mesothelioma Support Yorkshire (MESSY) group.

After Ash died, Alexandra, 54, began undertaking charity work for Mesothelioma UK.  So far she has raised more than £6000.

Her latest venture is a 28-mile bike ride on Saturday, 4 September, which will start at Upper Hopton Community Hall.  Those taking part will ride to Royd Moor and back.

Hannah Robinson, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represented Ash and now represents Alexandra, said: “Losing Ash was understandably devastating for Alexandra, but her drive to put her own tragedy aside and help others is nothing short of inspirational.

“Mesothelioma UK is a national charity that carries out amazing work supporting people affected by this asbestos cancer, and the money raised by Alexandra helps raise awareness and fund ongoing research.

“We all wish Alexandra the best of luck in the bike ride and any future activities.”

Around 50 people are expected to be taking part in the bike ride, with mesothelioma specialist nurse and MESSY group organiser Simon Bolton also on board.  He said: “Ash was a valued member of MESSY.  His enthusiasm for cycling was clear and we frequently spent five to 10 minutes of most meetings discussing the latest bikes on the market.  Several members of the group also started to cycle off the back of these chats.

“I’m certain Ash would be so proud of Alex for organising this fund-raiser in his memory.  I’ve not cycled for 25 years but I’m delighted to be joining the other cyclists on the day.  I only hope there’s a good nurse around to dress my grazed elbows and knees when I inevitably fall off!”

Ahead of the charity ride, Alexandra said: “When I lost Ash, my whole world was turned upside down and I knew that I had to do something to honour his memory and the bravery he demonstrated throughout his battle with mesothelioma.

“Ash had also said his last wish was to raise money to help others going through what he was, so it seemed fitting to do the fund-raising for Mesothelioma UK.

“It’s not long now until the ride and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had so far.  I’m looking forward to the event and can’t wait to get out there with all my friends and family.”

Sign up for the ride or make a donation here.