Southport man gets on his bike to raise cancer research funds in support of wife

A Southport man recently joined over 120 keen cyclists to conquer the North West Cancer Research Cycle of Hope and raise vital funds for cancer research across the Region.

Father of 2 Forbes Robertson, who is originally from Lincolnshire, but has lived in Southport for 12 years, completed the 60 mile course in support of his wife, Kerynne, who has secondary metastatic breast cancer, raising almost Ł500.

Having become a keen cyclist during lockdown, Forbes, who works for Southport based Insurance company, Paymentshield, was originally due to take part in the cycle in 2021, but was forced to self isolate on the day of the event.

Starting with a few short rides down the coast of Southport during the height of the Pandemic whilst he was shielding with his wife, Forbes this month cycled 170 miles from Morecombe to Bridlington over 2.5 days, bringing his total distance cycled this year to 3,500 kilometres.

Forbes Robertson commented:- "Myself and my wife both have scientific backgrounds and know how important research is in understanding and treating many different forms of cancer. Cycling seems to have become my main hobby, so to combine something I love with raising money for such an important cause was a no brainer for me. My wife has been treated at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre for over 8 years too which works closely with North West Cancer Research. This feels like a good way to give a bit back."

This year's Cycle, which took place on 26 June 2022, started and finished at Southport Rugby Club and offered participants either a gentle 60 kilometre route or a more challenging 60 mile course, circling the Lancashire and Merseyside countryside.

Over Ł20,000 has been raised through the event so far, which will support life saving cancer research and education projects in the North West.

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, added:- "It was amazing to be able to hit the road again for our most popular event, the Cycle of Hope. We extend a huge thanks to everyone who braved the windy weather in support of such an important cause, and to our sponsors, Brown Turner Ross, for helping to make the event possible. To see so many people come together was wonderful and the funds raised will have a huge impact on continuing to fund vital research across our Region, now and in the future."

North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the Region's cancer needs 1st by funding pioneering research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer.

Anti social behaviour crackdown

LIVERPOOL City Council is working with a range of partners to tackle anti social behaviour in hotspot areas next week. The week of action, which runs from 18 July to 24 July 2022, aims to raise awareness of the options available to those experiencing issues, tackle some of the challenges and highlight the work being done to improve the situation.

It will target the following areas:-

► Picton – Smithdown Road streets (Monday)

► Belle Vale – Naylorsfield area (Tuesday)

► Garston - Window Lane and Harbour Drive area (Wednesday)

► Anfield - Oakfield Road Area (Thursday)

► Yew Tree - Colwell Road and Gainsford Road area (Friday)

► Liverpool City Centre

To support the campaign, Liverpool City Council's Safer and Stronger Communities Team and partners including:- Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Registered Providers (housing associations) will be hosting environmental clean up events, community walkabouts and graffiti clean ups,

There will also be the opportunity for residents to raise any concerns they have, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will also be carrying out home safety checks.

Local residents will also receive leaflets with information about how to report issues and details of the Council's new Landlord Licensing scheme which is being rolled out in the 16 wards with the highest levels of poor quality private rented housing.

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Abdul Qadir, said:- "Anti social behaviour is not low level crime; it can devastate the lives of victims and communities. Along with our partners, we are fully committed to ensuring individuals feel safe in their communities and neighbourhoods. This awareness week is an opportunity for us to highlight some of the issues residents have experienced and the partnership work which is taking place every single day to combat it. It is all part of our commitment to driving up standards in our neighbourhoods, making them clean, green and safe."

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "Anti social behaviour can have a hugely damaging effect for victims, particularly those who are repeatedly and persistently targeted. Tackling and preventing ASB is 1 of my priorities, so I welcome all the fantastic multi-agency initiatives planned by Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and all our partners during ASB Awareness Week and beyond. Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live. I hope this week will highlight some of the great work which is going on across the Region day in day out to improve the safety of our neighbourhoods and help people to feel safer and happier in their communities."

Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent for Local Policing, Zoe Thornton said:- "Anti social behaviour is a priority for Merseyside Police and this awareness week offers an opportunity to highlight the issues of ASB and the impact it can have on the local communities. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and community and our activities this week, alongside our partners, will highlight some of the work that we undertake on a daily basis to support our communities and tackle ASB."

Mark Thomas, Area Manager for Prevention at MFRS, said:- "In 2021, our crews were called to 3,223 deliberate secondary fires. Many of these involved wheelie bins, playground equipment, woodland and rubbish being set alight. Some people might think setting fires like this is a bit of harmless fun, but this is arson - a serious criminal offence that puts people's lives at risk. What might seem like a laugh with your friends could lead to a criminal record and seriously impact not just your own future, but the future of those around you. Deliberate fire setting not only affects people's ability to enjoy our parks and woodlands but it can also have an effect on wildlife in these areas. Dealing with these types of incident diverts our fire appliances and crews away from other activities, such as giving fire safety advice to make the communities of Merseyside safer from the risk of fire. If a fire engine is called out to a deliberate fire, this will cause a delay in our emergency response to other potentially life threatening incidents; we simply can't be in 2 places at once. All of our Fire Engines carry CCTV and we will work closely with partner agencies including Merseyside Police, to ensure our communities are kept safe from anti social behaviour and that those responsible are held to account."

News reports located on this page = 2.

Southport man gets on his bike to raise cancer research funds in support of wife

Anti social behaviour crackdown