Jan saddles up for charity ride...

[dutchman]

A Brinklow woman who was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia three years ago is saddling up for this year’s Bikeathon on Sunday.



Jan Glasscoe (pictured on the right) has chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a condition that builds up abnormal lymphocytes (white blood cells).

“I was really scared when I found out but then I went into denial,” said Jan, of Heath Lane.

“Everyone has been so supportive and I’ve put it to the back of my mind and just get on with my life.”

She is in a 12-strong team of riders who will be taking part in the annual event, which raises money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

Her husband Tony, said: “It’s a charity that’s close to our hearts as my cousin Russell Ascroft died of leukaemia on April 18 2009, aged just 38. His brother Wayne is in the team this year with his wife Sarah.”

Last year they put together a team who raised £1,000 for the charity and hope to beat that this time.

Jan and Tony, who have three children, remember clearly when the doctor dealt the devastating blow that the lump was leukaemia.

“You can’t help being completely consumed by the word,” said Tony.

“It’s a very slow developing disease and now we’re over the shock, Jan is in good spirits.”

Bikeathon organiser Janet Haynes MBE said the Rugby & Coventry Bikeathon really does offer something for everyone.

“You can choose to start from either Rugby or Brandon in Coventry and cycle ten, 26 or 50 miles for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research,” she said.

The event starts at 10am from Newbold Riverside School, Rugby or Royal Oak, Brandon, Coventry

To donate to the team visit http://www.justgiving.com/Tony-Glasscoe0 Visit http://www.beatbloodcancers.org/event/r ... -bikeathon