When Sam was diagnosed with a right frontal high-grade neuroepithelial tumour, we quickly found ourselves adjusting to a new reality of hospital appointments, treatments and uncertainty. Like many families, we focused on getting through one day at a time and helping Sam maintain as much normality as possible. Sam’s treatment was successful, but recovery brought its own challenges. Following neurosurgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he was left with significant long-term effects like chronic fatigue, and remains dependent on steroids. Activities many teenagers take for granted became much more difficult. His strength, stamina and confidence all needed rebuilding.
How cycling helped Sam
Exercise became key to Sam's recovery. Initially, this meant using an exercise bike indoors while supervised by rehab specialists. Then, as confidence grew, he started to exercise at home. It was a safe way for him to build fitness and regain strength at his own pace. Progress was often slow, but every minute on the bike felt like an achievement.
Over time, those indoor sessions began to pay off. Sam gradually developed the confidence to cycle outdoors again, starting with short rides with family members and then longer adventures. Cycling gave us something incredibly valuable: the chance to spend time together doing something positive that wasn't centred around hospitals, treatment or recovery. For Sam, cycling represented more than exercise. It offered independence, allowing him to explore, challenge himself, and experience being outdoors. One memorable day came shortly after receiving his new bike from Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC). As a family, we completed a 13-kilometre ride along a former railway line, through a tunnel, and into Tintern for ice cream. Sam was tired afterwards but felt proud of what he’d achieved. Another special milestone came when Sam was able to support a cause close to our family's heart. During a fundraising challenge for Brain Tumour Research, I set myself the goal of cycling 274 miles throughout one August. Sam joined me for parts of the challenge, which not only showed how much physical progress he’d made, but also his determination to help others. One of the most significant milestones, however, was when Sam felt confident enough to start cycling with friends. Being able to join his peers on bike rides was huge and showed he was regaining confidence in himself.
Our appreciation for CFC
Receiving a bike through CFC has been about much more than the bike itself. It was an investment in Sam's physical recovery, mental wellbeing, and independence, and gave him a reason to keep exercising and improving. It encouraged him to set goals and celebrate progress. Most importantly, it helped him rediscover activities that he enjoyed and could share with family and friends. Recovery from childhood cancer is rarely straightforward, and resilience is built through many small victories rather than one defining moment. For Sam, now 18, cycling has provided many of those victories. From exercising indoors to family rides and supporting a fundraising challenge, and eventually confidently cycling with friends, each stage has helped him rebuild confidence and independence.
Sam’s next steps
Today, Sam's just finished his A-levels and is preparing for the next chapter of his life. Despite the challenges he’s faced since his diagnosis, he has worked hard academically and remains determined to achieve his goals, including studying Law at university. As parents, we’re incredibly proud of his resilience, dedication and determination, and everything he’s achieved.
In Sam's own words: "Post-treatment, being able to cycle confidently with friends and family was a goal that meant a lot to me. CFC’s support helped me to achieve that confidence and now allows me to have the freedom to go out and cycle independently or with friends and family."
