Ella’s dad is living with stage four stomach cancer
A girl born at Castle Hill Hospital is pushing herself to new limits, inspired by her father who is a Consultant Clinical Scientist at Hull Royal Infirmary. Ella Shepherd is cycling from Land’s End to John O-Groats, with a brief stopover in Glasgow to take part in the Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4.
Ella’s dad, John Shepherd, is living with stage four stomach cancer and had originally wanted to take part in the challenge. However, sadly he is unable to this – but he will be with them in spirit and is aiming to call Ella as she completes each stage.
She started her challenge on Friday, August 28. On September 7, she will meet with her dad’s twin brother Alan, and his son Oliver and the trio will take part in Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour De 4 Red Ride.
Funds raised by family Shepherd will support the WISHH Charity, to help cancer patients at Castle Hill Hospital’s Queen’s Centre, a cause that’s become so important to her family. Ella, an NHS Scientific Support Officer in Genomics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, said: “This challenge will take me best part of two weeks to complete, with many miles to be covered and hills to be climbed each day. It’s terrifying and exhilarating in equal parts, and the biggest physical challenge I’ve taken on my own to date.
“The money raised for WISHH will go to the Queens Centre at Castle Hill Hospital; a dedicated cancer unit devoted to high quality care, cutting edge research and along with other cancer hubs, helps lead the way in the battle against many types of cancer. Any amount of money you are able to donate is gratefully received, whether that be towards the complex equipment that supports patient’s lives, your support means a lot to us all.”
Lisa Whitton of the WISHH Charity said, “We are sorry to hear John is not well enough to take part in this challenge which meant so much to him. We are immensely proud by the courage and resilience shown by the whole family and Ella’s decision to carry on with the challenge and Chris Hoy’s Tour De 4. Their determination is a true reflection of their strength and is an inspiration to us all.”
“Ella’s remarkable journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, alongside the Tour de 4 ride in Glasgow, is a remarkable tribute to her dad’s battle with cancer and a shining example of dedication. Together, their incredible fundraising will make a real difference by supporting others going through their own cancer journeys, by enhancing comfort, care, and equipment available for patients at the Queen’s Centre, Castle Hill Hospital.”
“We are so grateful for their support and send our heartfelt thanks and best wishes as they take on this extraordinary challenge.” You can support Ella over on her gofundme page.
Ella said on the page: “Stomach cancer struck Dad out of the blue in Sept 2023. It’s been a wee bit tough! After several major operations, a long hospital residence (followed by many shorter ones), months of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, countless scans & many other scopes and pokes, he’s still battling on.”
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