Full Breakdown
Deb Gascoyne's London-Paris Cycle Ride: A Fundraising Quest Against Multiple Myeloma
5/14/2026, 8:37:38 AM
The Challenge Ahead
On Thursday, Deb Gascoyne, a 51-year-old multiple myeloma patient from Hagley, Worcestershire, will begin a 280-mile (450 km) bicycle ride from London to Paris. The effort, her second London-Paris crossing, is intended to raise more than £300,000 for Myeloma UK. Accompanying her are her husband Nick, their 19-year-old son Sam, additional family members, fellow myeloma patients, two clinical nurses and her consultant.
Background: Multiple Myeloma in the United Kingdom
Multiple myeloma, a relapsing-remitting blood cancer, affects over 33,000 people in the UK, according to Myeloma UK. While it predominantly occurs in older adults, Gascoyne was diagnosed at age 34 in 2009 and was initially told she might not live to see her children grow up. Treatment can control the disease but does not cure it, requiring ongoing management throughout a patient’s life.
Key Participants
Numbers Driving the Campaign
Official Statements & Responses
Gascoyne calls the fundraising a “lifeline” that keeps her occupied and sustains a positive outlook, though treatment has lowered her fitness since 2022. She says the ride will be more demanding but remains determined to finish it. Nick Gascoyne voiced pride in his wife’s achievement and the £300,000 target. Sam Gascoyne described his mother as “brave and inspirational.” Myeloma UK notes that the donations will support research and patient services.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I never dreamed I would have this much time when I started treatment,” — Deb Gascoyne, patient
- “The fundraising has been a bit of a lifeline to me, because it's kept me busy and it's meant I've had to keep positive about my situation,” — Deb Gascoyne
- “If you'd have said to me two years ago that we'd be doing nearly 300 miles to to Paris, I'd have laughed at you.” — Nick Gascoyne, husband
- “It's just phenomenal what she's done - £300,000 isn't a small amount of money.” — Nick Gascoyne, husband
- “She's so brave and inspirational,” — Sam Gascoyne, son
What's Next
The group will set off from London on Thursday, cross the English Channel, and aim to finish in Paris later that day. Completion of the ride is expected to push total donations beyond the £300,000 target, providing additional resources for Myeloma UK’s research, patient support and advocacy programs.
