| Name: | Irene Cholerton |
|---|---|
| Nickname: | Irene |
| Age: | 50 |
| Occupation: | Part Time Company HR/Admin Manager |
| Email: | irenecholerton@hotmail.co.uk |
What was your first bike?
A 3 wheeler red trike which I shared with and fought over with my brother – I think. It was a long time ago!!
How do you know Dan?
My husband Peter works with Dan.
Before you started training, when was the last time you cycled?
One day last summer.
Why have you decided to do this challenge?
Lots and lots of reasons but the main one is that I’ve got cancer and want to prove to myself and others that it doesn’t stop you doing something you’ve never tried before. (Similar philosophy and outlook as Dan).
What are you most looking forward to?
Being part of a team. Achieving something which will help others. Being able to say thank you to the Surgeon, Oncology doctors and nurses who have looked after me for the last 5 years. To celebrating my achievement with my family and friends who have supported me over the last 5 years, especially my husband Peter and daughter Rachel, my mum, brother and in-laws and good friends old and new.
What are you most worried about?
Not being fit enough (and the hills of course, saddle/bum combination and big lorries).
What do you want to achieve from this experience?
Inner strength, positivity, fitness. Motivation for many more years cycling. Would like to think I could inspire other people with cancer to get out there and not let the cancer get to you. And of course plenty of sponsorship funds.
How are you preparing for the challenge?
Carefully and with a lot of encouragement from my husband as I have been on chemotherapy for the last 5 months. So I’ve been walking to the top of the road, to running, to cycling indoors on a turbo trainer and cycling only once on the open road !!!– This next week will see me hit the wide open roads.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
Interesting? Having cancer has opened up a whole new world for me. Closer relationships with family and friends, a conservation trip to New Zealand, new life. But learning that its people that matter the most.
Who do you most hope to be mistaken for whilst cycling?
Queen Victoria (Pendleton of course).
