Cycling St Albans brothers in tandem for charity ride

A leukaemia survivor and his brother were with each other every mile of the way when they saddled up to raise money for charity.

Will Laughton, of London Road, St Albans, embarked on this year’s London Bikeathon with his brother George after he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in July 2012.

When the 26-year-old’s chemotherapy treatment was unsuccessful he required a bone marrow transplant to save his life and thankfully his brother was a match.

Will, who has been on the road to recovery since his operation last November, said: “I really enjoyed the London Bikeathon and having my family and friends cycling with me. It was incredible to think that a year ago I was in real trouble.

“I was lucky having George as a perfect match for the transplant and, so far, things are looking good for the future.”

He added: “Back in May when I signed up for the event, it was a target to train for to regain my fitness. I used to be an international rower and so I wanted a challenge – cycling 26 miles seemed to be an achievable target.

“It was also an opportunity to raise money and awareness for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, an amazing charity whose research I have benefited from.

“Without their crucial work things may have been very different for me.”

The cycling duo are hoping together they will have raised £5,500 for the blood cancer charity. To help boost their total visit www.justgiving.com/willlaughton