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25 January 2012
John Widdowson, from Tutbury, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Diffuse large B Cell Lymphoma – a form of blood cancer – in January 2011.
The 27-year-old lost all his hair and dropped four jean sizes as he underwent extensive chemotherapy at the Royal Derby Hospital. Even the simplest of tasks, such as walking his four-year-old son Etoni to school, proved difficult.
A caring support network, including colleagues at South Derbyshire District Council, helped him pull through. On July 6, doctors gave John the all clear. Just two days later, his second child, Grace, was born.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” he said. “You never think at such a young age you will go through something like that. It’s been hard, but I tried to remain positive. When they gave me the all clear it was a huge relief.”
Now in remission, the Community Sports Coach is determined to play his part in supporting those who are battling against cancer.
He has set the wheels in motion for a trip of a lifetime cycling from Rosliston Forestry Centre to the Grand Palais on the Champs Elysées in Paris, covering 350 miles in just four days from Wednesday, July 18, 2012.
John, whose hero is record-breaking cyclist and fellow cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, will be joined by friends and family for the mammoth trek in aid of Leukemia and Lymphoma Research and Cyclists Fighting Cancer.
He said: “Lance Armstrong once said that pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.
“That is the motto that I abide by. I have been fortunate enough to overcome cancer. Now I want to inspire others and play my part in trying to find a cure by raising money for these two amazing charities.”
John has teamed up with the Star Foundation to ask people to donate old unwanted items to convert them to cash for charity.
A special quiz night is also being held at Burton Rugby Club from 7.30pm on Friday, February 10 to boost the coffers further. Admission is £10 for teams of four and £2.50 for individuals.
Cllr John Lemmon, Chairman of Housing and Community Services at South Derbyshire District Council, said: “John is a hugely popular and well respected member of our Sport and Health Team.
“His positive outlook is inspirational and rubs off on the youngsters that he coaches across South Derbyshire. We wish him success in his fundraising endeavours and will support him in any way we can.”
Anyone wanting to support John can telephone him on 07535 971119, email jnr_widdo@hotmail.co.uk or type ‘Burton 2 Paris’ into http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com.
