This September, Ludwig Oxford’s Richard Owen will take part in a three-day cycle ride from Oxford to Paris alongside several seasoned cyclists, including clinicians and former patients, in support of the Oxfordshire Oesophageal and Stomach Organisation (OOSO). The ride will depart from the Churchill Hospital in Oxford on 8th September and follow a route to Portsmouth, where the group will travel overnight by ferry to Caen. From there, the team will continue on to Paris before returning to Oxford via the Eurostar.
The event marks ten years since OOSO supporters completed a John O’Groats to Land’s End sponsored ride, which raised close to £60,000 and funded important ward equipment and patient-focused initiatives. The proceeds from this year will help to establish the OOSO Fellowship, a new initiative aimed at supporting young Oxford-based researchers in developing new approaches to the treatment of Upper GI cancers, whilst also strengthening links between OOSO, the Churchill Hospital and Oxford’s research community.
Reflecting on the challenge, Richard said: “It’s a privilege to be part of this event. OOSO does vital work for patients and researchers in Oxford, and I’m looking forward to contributing in a small way by taking part in the ride.”
We wish Richard and the team every success on their ride! If you want to find out more or support the team, check the OOSO website or the team’s fundraising page.