A firefighter from Bath is set to take on an epic five-day challenge, cycling from Bath to Lyon and then running a marathon when he gets there, travelling 950km.
Jess and Matt Parsons with their children and firefighters from Bath’s fire station | Photo © Paul Gillis
Matt Parsons is taking on the challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK, after his wife Jess, 38, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer in 2022.
After undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, Jess’s cancer spread to her lymph nodes and grew significantly, which meant she had to have an emergency mastectomy.
Jess faced 15 rounds of radiotherapy and another 12 rounds of targeted therapy, which thankfully kept the cancer at bay.
In November 2023, Jess received an all-clear full body scan, however just a month later Jess’s first annual mammogram revealed an anomaly in her other breast, leading to a new diagnosis of a different type of breast cancer.
Jess had to undergo another mastectomy in January 2024, and during her first chemotherapy session, a lump was discovered in her collarbone.
To the family’s disappointment, the lump was confirmed as a recurrence of her first cancer, and Jess was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, albeit a curable form.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Matt said: “Watching Jess go through this has been tough, but her strength is inspiring.
“All of this is to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK, whose work is vital for families like ours.
“Cancer is happening right now, and Cancer Research UK’s work is crucial for people like Jessica, I hope by completing this challenge I can contribute to a future without cancer for our kids and grandkids.”
Jess said: “We must keep pushing for better treatments, especially for stage 4 breast cancer, one of the leading causes of death for women under 50 in the UK.
“Matt’s challenge coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October emphasising the need for early detection and continued research.”
Cancer Research UK fundraising manager, Louise Gash, said: “Jess and Matt have been the inspiration behind several fundraising challenges and events over the last 18 months and have raised an amazing amount of funds already.
“It has been a privilege to support them in their quest to do so and to get to know a family who, despite their own challenges, are committed to striving for a world where we can all live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.”
Matt’s journey to Lyon is significant to him and his family as it’s where his wife Jess is from.
Once he has arrived in Lyon he will be joined by Jess and their children, cheering him on at the final leg of the challenge, the Lyon Marathon.
To support Matt’s efforts, visit this link.
