In 2011 Pete was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, which later led to him having a full leg amputation in October 2017. Last year, Pete set up a Special Fund with the Bone Cancer Research Trust called Pushing For A Cure.
In April 2019 Pete decided to take on the incredible challenge of the Manchester Marathon for the Bone Cancer Research Trust and that’s where his wheelchair racing started. Worried he wouldn’t be able to complete the marathon, Pete had a discussion with his friend who put him in touch with Stockport Wheelchair Racing, and in Pete’s words, ‘The rest is history’.
With lots of hard work and persevering, Pete completed the Manchester Marathon and raised over £2,000 for our life-saving work. After even more hard work, on the 7th September 2019, Pete classified as a T54 wheelchair athlete at Stoke Mandeville. Pete has since been training with Stockport Wheelchair Racing and his aim is to take on the wheelchair racing world and raise awareness through road and track events.
Life after bone cancer will never be “normal” but we have found our new normal. I want more bone cancer patients and their families to find their new normal. To try new challenges and not feel like they’re unable to do things. To #PushForACure and join in being out of their comfort zones, to help raise as much awareness and funding as possible.
Pete hasn’t stopped there either… This year he chose to do the Arctic One Challenge to keep up his training and motivation throughout the winter when the weather is awful, and the track is closed due to poor conditions. Pete was delighted to receive an Arctic One Forward Motion Grant, which supports disabled athletes.
Becoming a Special Fund with the Bone Cancer Research Trust is hugely important to me, as they are the only charity dedicated to finding a cure for primary bone cancer.
Click here to to find out more about Pete’s Special Fund.