Today we are going pink!

CRT are donning their pink in support of one of our brave and passionate volunteer Louise Bacon, as she commemorates a year since she received her breast cancer diagnosis by cycling 365 miles.

Louise is a devoted wildlife and nature lover, having spent 13 years volunteering for CRT and supporting our work, and it’s our turn to support her.

“I value the wildlife both local and further afield more than ever. Wildlife-ful places provide a sense of happiness of being alive, of enjoying the diversity of flora and fauna around me.

I spend a lot of free time messing about in woodlands, involved in the traditional management of a local ancient wood, when I am not birdwatching, butterfly spotting or out cycling. Which brings me to this week.

A year ago, a routine health screening picked up a problem, but the Cambridge NHS acted very swiftly and here I am, fit and well after only day surgery and a small amount of radiotherapy. So, to mark the anniversary of diagnosis, which happens to be 8 days before the breast cancer wear it pink day, I decided to cycle 365km in a week, and ask colleagues for a donation.

A normal week would see me do around 150km, my usual trips being around 30 to 50km a time. A quick calculation told me that 365 in 8 days was less than 50 a day, so no problem. However, rest days are key to a challenge such as this, so I planned to start big, with 3 long days then downsize mid-week.

I have stuck to my plan and last Friday did 101km, out to St Ives, Huntington then Brampton and over to Grafham water, a quick circuit then home via Buckden, Cambourne and local villages to make the distance up. Saturday, I headed south for a day of hilliness. Well, as good as it gets round here, with the highest points of Cambridgeshire and Essex being only a couple of miles apart. That day finished in Saffron Walden as we were off to hear Kathryn Tickell.

Sunday saw a nice flat one out to Devils Dyke by Newmarket, taking me to over 200km done. Monday’s rest day with just the 10km round trip to the allotment for some veg gave me valuable recuperation time, ahead of local circuits Wednesday and Thursday, the latter after our team meeting at work, wearing it pink of course, which have taken me to 284 in the bag. With 2 days left and 81km to go, Thursday will be another easier day, circuit of approx. 30km leaving me with Fridays finale of a route circling around Cambridge without entering the city boundary itself... just roughly 50km to complete from Tuesday.” - Louise Bacon

We’re so blown away by Louise’s dedication whether it’s stepping up to a challenge or protecting nature, we stand with you and support you in achieving your goal. 

The CRT team are dressing for the occasion in our finest pink and getting quizical with a fun themed quiz, to raise money for Wear It Pink

If you would like to donate to Louise’s cycle you can do so here.