Exercise and Cancer: David’s Experience

When David Taylor was diagnosed with cancer, there was no doubt in his mind that he’d continue to stay active throughout his treatment.

The 61-year-old had always been a keen cyclist, and his home in Bridlington means he’s never short of some beautiful coastal cycle routes.

David said: “I’ve always exercised, and for me it’s an important part of my mental health as well as my physical health. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I knew it was going to be important to stay healthy while I was having chemotherapy.

“Being able to get outside and on my bike is a way of clearing my mind, because when you’re going through treatment, sometimes all you can think about is the cancer and what’s going to happen to you.”

David first noticed a lump in his neck in 2019, and after tests, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer is a collective term used for more than 30 types of cancers that start in the tissue of the head and neck area, including the mouth, throat, and voice box.

He received chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Castle Hill Hospital in Hull.

He said: “Everyone at Castle Hill Hospital have been amazing throughout my treatment, and Yorkshire Cancer Research has funded research at the hospital. After receiving such great care in a Yorkshire hospital, I thought I should give something back and help support the charity’s work.”

For David, staying active and prioritising his mental and physical health during treatment became increasingly important when he reflected on how his brother had experienced chemotherapy.

He said: “My brother passed away from lung cancer, and I saw how much of a toll the treatment took on him. He didn’t make staying active a part of his life once he’d been diagnosed. I knew that I didn’t want to experience treatment in the same way.”

The opportunity to support Yorkshire Cancer Research, and get active while doing it, came along when David saw the charity’s ‘Step Out for Yorkshire’ campaign.

The campaign challenged people to complete 100-miles of their chosen exercise throughout the month of May and help raise funds for vital cancer research at the same time.

David took to his bike and completed a phenomenal 237-miles throughout the month, raising more than £300.

The money raised will go towards funding world-leading research to help prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

He said: “I think raising funds for cancer research is so important. I don’t fundraise for myself, I fundraise for the people who come after me, so hopefully they’ll be cured of their cancer.”

The challenges didn’t stop at the end of May, and David has since been training to complete a 519-mile cycle challenge in Scotland, which will continue his fundraising for the charity.

Nikki Brady, PR Manager

Yorkshire Cancer Research

Tel: 07814 255159

Email: nikki.brady@ycr.org.uk