Pancreatic cancer fundraiser in memory of cyclist

A cycle ride will take place next week in memory of a keen Sheffield rider who died of pancreatic cancer.

Aiden Batchelor died in December 2024 at the age of 57, 11 weeks after being diagnosed.

He was a member of the Geeks on Peaks cycling group who, alongside Aiden's wife Alison, have organised a 170-mile, two-day ride from Aiden's workplace at Grosvenor House in Sheffield city centre to Birmingham and back.

Money raised from the ride, which starts on 14 July, will go towards Pancreatic Cancer UK, which supported Aiden and Alison after his diagnosis.

Alison said Aiden was "mad" about cycling, adding: "Even in the middle of winter he'd be doing a minimum of 100 miles, even if it was snowing.

"He had four bikes. He'd drive me bonkers leaving them all around the house.

"Colleagues at HSBC would see him cycling to work, going completely the wrong way via Chatsworth House or somewhere in the Peaks."

Alison described her husband's diagnosis in October last year as a "complete shock".

"He was a fit, keen cyclist and looked after himself," she said.

"Although Aidan had not felt himself for several months, at no time had pancreatic cancer been suggested as a possible cause."

After his initial diagnosis, Aiden's health deteriorated rapidly.

"It was heartbreaking to watch and I still can't quite believe he's no longer with us, it was so fast.

"When we checked the symptoms, we realised that most of them matched those Aiden had been experiencing, but due to a lack of awareness around the disease, we didn't know what we were dealing with.

"He wasn't even well enough for a biopsy.

"He was too far gone, he just continued losing weight so had no treatment, just pain management."

More than half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Just 7% of people with the disease in the UK will live for five years.

The figures have barely improved since the 1970s - in stark contrast to the welcome progress made in improving outcomes for many other types of cancer.

Symptoms include indigestion, pain in your tummy or back, changes to your poo, losing weight without meaning to, and jaundice.

Pancreatic Cancer UK said only about 3% of money invested in cancer research was spent on pancreatic cancer.

John Pugh, Aiden's friend and colleague and member of the Geeks on Peaks group, will be taking part in the two-day ride.

He said: "Aidan was an integral part of the group and rode thousands of miles over the years raising funds for local charity Endeavour, who support disadvantaged young people.

"I'm not an out-and-out cyclist like Aiden. He was phenomenal."

Despite his reservations about the epic cycle, the IT worker said he was "determined" to do his best.

"I want to do it for him.

"He would have encouraged others. He was so friendly and generous with his time."

Laura Howard-Jones, head of philanthropy and partnerships at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: "We are so grateful to Alison and all those riding in Aidan's memory.

"Tragically, more than half of people with pancreatic cancer die within just three months of their diagnosis.

"Despite being the deadliest common cancer, it has been overlooked and underfunded for decades."

Sheffield Central MP Abtisam Mohamed will be starting the riders off next Monday.

She said: "What Geeks on Peaks is doing is vital, not just because they are raising much-needed funds, but they are raising awareness around pancreatic cancer, which often goes undiagnosed until it is too late."

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