Gearing up for charity challenge
Two Dukeries College pupils will cycle 75 miles from their home to the Peak District to raise money for alternative treatment for a young father with cancer.
Friends Konor Klein (15) of Hardwick Drive, Ollerton, and Sean Smith (16) of Tuxford Road, Boughton, will cycle from the Ollerton and Boughton Scout and Guide Activity Centre on Back Lane to Castleton on April 26.
They hope to raise money for Mr Simon Hennessy (29) of Mansfield, the cousin of Konor’s mother, Mrs Karen Klein.
Mr Hennessy, a former pupil of Forest View and Tuxford schools, was diagnosed with the malignant tumour eight months ago.
He recently married Mrs Louise Hennessy and the couple have a nine-month-old son, Mason.
Mrs Klein said her cousin was well-known in Ollerton, where he used to live and had a promising career as a professional footballer cut short by injury.
She said an operation had removed 75-85% of the tumour, but surgeons feared removing more would leave him paralysed.
He has almost completed six weeks of daily radiotherapy treatment at the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, to try and kill the remaining cancer.
Mrs Klein said the boys had not set a target, but the money raised could help pay for Mr Hennessy to seek alternative treatment abroad if the radiotherapy did not work.
She said: “Once he finishes the radiotherapy he cannot have any more.
“Konor came up with the idea to do a cycle ride. They originally planned to go to Chatsworth House but wanted to go further.
“They are both physically fit, and decided that even though there are millions out there who need help fighting cancer, it is better to help one than none at all.”
Mrs Klein, a dinner lady at Dukeries College, is advertising the bike rise on posters made by her son to attract sponsorship.
They are training for the ride by cycling around Sherwood Pines near Clipstone, but said they can take their time on the ride because it would not be a race.
Mrs Klein and her husband, Mr Paul Klein, will follow the boys in a car to offer support during the ride.
Anyone wishing to sponsor the boys should call Mr and Mrs Klein on 01623 822801.
