Black Country paramedic preparing for epic charity ride (From Dudley News)

Black Country paramedic preparing for epic charity ride

9:00am Sunday 17th June 2012 in News

A HALESOWEN paramedic based in Dudley is preparing to cycle from London to Paris next month to raise money for a cancer charity.

Ian Phillips, aged 45, has been with West Midlands Ambulance Service for eight years in July, he will be taking part in the Macmillan Cancer Support Cycle Challenge in memory of his father, Alan.

The London to Paris Cycling Challenge covers more than 480km in just four days, starting from South London on July 4 to the Eiffel Tower on July 7.

As a keen cyclist, Ian already cycles to work every day but is now in training and stepping up a gear to improve his endurance and get his body prepared for the challenge.

Ian said: “A couple of years ago, I lost my father to cancer. It was very sudden and we were shocked at how quickly the disease spread. Even with being in the medical profession, nothing can prepare you for this. It was a very difficult time for my family but without the support of the Macmillan nurses, it would have been far more difficult to cope.”

He added: “I cannot praise them enough for the work they do and I wanted to give something back to say thank you.

“Please dig deep and donate what you can to help me raise much needed funds so that the Macmillan nurses can continue their great work to help others in the same situation.”

To sponsor Ian and donate to Macmillan Cancer Support please visit Ian’s Just Giving page via http://www.justgiving.com/Ianph-London2paris.