Cycling helped me through my cancer diagnosis: Rory's story

When Rory was diagnosed with a soft tissue cancer just after he turned eight, he took up cycling as he was no longer able to take part in contact sports. Cycling throughout his chemotherapy treatment allowed him to continue exercising while having fun with his friends. In this blog, his mum, Kerry explains how both her and the medical professionals she spoke to believe cycling played a positive part in her son's speedy recovery.

Three young boys wearing helmets and raincoats stood underneath an umbrella on a rainy day in Scotland

"I think the doctors were always quite amazed by the ways he kept going and stayed healthy." (Pictured left to right: Finn, Arran and Rory). Credit: The Rait family

Nine-year-old Rory, who uses his bike every day and to get to and from school, was diagnosed with paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2023.

His mum, Kerry, said the doctors were convinced that cycling and staying active while receiving his treatment not only gave him the energy to continue going to school but also played a part in his speedy recovery. She said:

“Cycling let him feel completely normal again and let him do what other kids his age were doing.

“It was the one thing he could do quite freely – cycling gave him that bit of independence.

“It was perfect, it was active, safe, got him lots of fresh air and kept him away from crowds and germs.

“His bike helmet hid the fact he’d lost his hair too - so he was able to feel a bit of normality while out on his bike."

Cycling helped with a speedy recovery

When Rory was in and out of hospital receiving treatment, he lost his appetite completely.

Determined to maintain his energy to continue cycling, he kept eating.

If he didn’t eat, he’d have to have an additional tube fitting which meant he wouldn’t be able to cycle.

Cycling was his incentive to eat and maintain his strength.

After an operation on his groin, he was back on his bike within a week.

“There was nothing that could stop him, only his energy levels.

“Having the cycling was a goal he could set his mind on and because of that he carried on eating all the way through his nine rounds of chemo.

“He was able to get outside on his bike and shake everything off.

“I think the doctors were always quite amazed by the ways he kept going and stayed healthy.

“It must have had a positive effect on his immune system – from May to December time he didn’t get ill once, not even a single temperature – and kids get ill all the time especially around that time of the year!

“I would attribute a lot of that to exercise and fresh air. I’m positive it’s helped with his recovery and helped to keep him going throughout it.”

Three young boys on their bikes cycling on a road next to a body of water with bridges in the distance on an overcast day in Scotland

Less than a year after his final round of chemotherapy, Rory, who is in remission, completed a charitable cycle ride across Scotland using sections of the National Cycle Network. Credit: The Rait family

To anyone who doesn't already cycle, just go and do it. It doesn't have to be far, every time you go out you will find yourself wanting to go a bit further, and it's a great excuse for cake!

Rory, aged nine

Well-connected routes

“We’re quite lucky where we live in Dunbar, there are so many cycle routes (76) near us, and you can get quite far using them.

“Rory cycles pretty much every day. There’s a wood near his school which he’ll often visit on his way home.

“Since he started cycling, I can see the change in him. He’s bulked out and looks so much healthier"

Glasgow, Stirling & the Clyde Cycle Map

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Raising money on the Network

Rory, who also goes downhill mountain biking, has grown up with cycling all around him.

His grandparents often go on bikepacking trips, and his parents are avid road bikers.

Less than a year after his final round of chemotherapy, Rory, who is in remission, completed a charitable cycle ride across Scotland using sections of the National Cycle Network.

Accompanied by his two friends and his grandad, the group cycled 100km (just over 64 miles) in the pouring rain following the Forth & Clyde Canal (Route 754) from Glasgow to Cramond, just outside of Edinburgh.

Together, they’ve raised almost £5,000 (at the time this blog was written) for a charity which supported Rory during his time in hospital and helped “brighten his days”.

Three young boys stood with their bikes holding medals around their necks at the Scottish seaside on a cloudy day

The benefits of cycling on the mind and body

Lucy Waller, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, is quoted on Cyclists Fighting Cancer's website. She said:

"Cycling is an excellent form of physical activity with so many benefits; low impact, improves cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, encourages coordination and promotes maintenance of healthy weight and mind.

"All of these positive effects make it such a brilliant, fun, sociable and accessible activity for so many of our patients, who have varying abilities and disabilities."