Mel, 58, has been living with lung cancer for over five years. Despite major surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she continues to approach life with energy and optimism. Earlier this year, Mel and her fiancée Sarah took part in Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 cycling fundraiser to raise money and awareness for Stage 4 cancer. It was a magical day for Mel and she is now an ambassador for the Tour de 4.
Mel originally started off cycling 2.8 miles around her local park three times a week; and now goes on longer cycles weekly with her partner. She says cycling has helped her heal, giving her strength, freedom and a sense of belonging beyond the hospital.
Through Instagram and Substack, Mel shares her journey as a lung cancer advocate, regularly receiving messages from people to say she has inspired them to either start cycling or take up another activity appropriate to their fitness or health situation. She has appeared on BBC Breakfast with Sir Chris Hoy and recently spoke on the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Podcast about how cycling has transformed her life. The Tour de 4 ride took place in September in Glasgow. Mel and Sarah cycled 40 miles, raising over £11,000 for the Roy Castle Foundation. Through cycling, Mel continues to prove that her body is full of can-dos, not can’t-dos.
