Alex honours his sister in cycle challenge for FORCE

Alex Taylor raised £1,382 for FORCE in memory of his sister by tackling the London to Paris Cycle Challenge, riding 500 kilometres in four days.

Sister Katie was a speech and language therapist at the RD&E, her dream job, when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer on October 31 last year.

She had planned to meet Alex at the finish of his ride at the Eiffel Tower this September. Sadly, Katie died in June at the age of 49.

“It gave her something to look forward to but we always knew she might not make it. She was dealt a rough hand but always said, at least I’ve had a life. That was her perspective,” recalls Alex, with great pride in his voice.

“It made the last day of the ride quite emotional. At the Tower we arrived to cheers, horns and I saw one lucky rider whose family has brought a banner. Through my tears I realised that I was that lucky rider and saw my wife Rosy and my children, Lily and Eddie, holding it! Then proceeded the best hugs I have ever felt and more tears.”

Brave

The initial diagnosis suggested Katie’s cancer was treatable with chemotherapy and radiotherapy but after her last brachytherapy session it was discovered that the treatment, which had hit her very hard, hadn’t worked.

She took the brave decision that she wouldn’t have any more treatment.

Before moving back to live their mum in Dorchester, Katie was supported by FORCE through her diagnosis and treatment, accessing a variety of services including a retreat day at Buckfast Abbey for people living with non-curable cancer.

“I wanted to support her as a brother and asked what I could do to help. She said raise money to help other people going through what I had. That was typical of her selfless and generous spirit,” said Alex.

Katie was a former Exeter University student was also a member of the city’s Trinity Church.

Loved

“She was really quiet, really private. I don’t think she knew how well loved and how well thought of she was. Hundreds of people came to a service for her. It was lovely hearing other people’s recollections of Katie’s life,” said Alex.

The London to Paris ride is a well-known fundraising event that takes cyclists through the Kent countryside, across the Channel and through Northern France before reaching the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

It’s a big enough test for anyone but Alex, who works as a technology project manager at JP Morgan in Bournemouth, hadn’t ridden a bike for years when he committed to getting back on two wheels and raising money for FORCE and Macmillan.

Alex admits: “What began as an idea for a local sponsored ride quickly escalated into something far bigger. I bought a bike at the end of January and spent hours on a trainer in the garage. When the weather improved, I did a 70-mile round trip to visit Katie in the hospice in Dorchester.

“I went into London-Paris with a no-fail approach. That option wasn’t available. There were 50 to 60 people doing it for a range of different charities. There was a real Dunkirk spirit among us, supporting and encouraging people when they needed it. People’s reasons for riding break your heart and really inspire you.

Enjoyable

“There were people aged from 16 to 60, every ability, friends, mums and daughters, electric bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes. It was really enjoyable being in a bubble for four days.”

Alex rode with 16-year-old Luis Cummings, riding for Brain Tumour Research in memory of his uncle, and Ali Wallace, who supported Macmillan.

He is keen to encourage others to challenge themselves and raise money for FORCE.

“So many people and families are impacted by cancer in its many forms. Like many of you, I’ve seen close friends and loved ones face this disease with courage and strength. Now it’s my turn to take on a challenge in honour of all those brave individuals and to help raise funds for charities doing amazing work in this space.”

You can still sponsor Alex at Fundraiser by Alex Taylor : Alex’s London to Paris Cycle Challenge

Are you looking for a challenge to get you fit and feeling good about yourself in 2026?

Could you cycle, trek or even dog sled to raise money for FORCE Cancer Charity?

Then look no further.

FORCE had teamed up with two organisations who can offer our supporters exciting new ways of fundraising.

Global Adventure Challenges and Discover Adventure are British companies providing life-changing adventures around the world.

If Alex has inspired you to take on a fundraising challenge for FORCE, call Ceri at FORCE on 01392 406153 or email ceri.bastyan@forcecancercharity.co.uk for more information and ideas.