Autumn has officially arrived! The crisp air, falling leaves, and the excitement of Halloween make it one of the best seasons for family fun. If you're looking for an autumnal activity to enjoy with the kids, why not combine your love of cycling with a visit to one of the UK’s most charming pumpkin patches? It’s the perfect excuse for an outdoor adventure, some exercise, and, of course, to pick the best pumpkin for carving.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by young cancer patients and their families. During this important month, it’s crucial to highlight initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of these children. One such initiative is the 5 a Day Challenge, organised by Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC). This amazing charity provides bikes and trikes to children with cancer, giving them a fun activity for kids to stay active and supporting both their physical and mental recovery while they tackle treatment and beyond. It’s all about making a positive difference and bringing fun and freedom to their journey..
About Cyclists Fighting Cancer
Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) was founded in 2005 by Mike Grisenthwaite after his own battle with blood cancer. Drawing from his personal experience, Mike created CFC to give children living with cancer the chance to stay active during and after treatment. Cycling is not only a fun activity but also an ideal form of rehabilitation for young cancer patients.
According to the charity, research has shown that cycling offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, enhanced muscle strength, better coordination, and healthy weight maintenance—all while being low-impact and gentle on the body. Most importantly, cycling helps boost overall well-being, supporting both physical recovery and mental health.
The benefits of lightweight bikes for children with cancer
“A lightweight bike is essential when there are already issues with balance, coordination and strength as they are much easier to pedal and control which also aids confidence and self-esteem.” - Rachel Wignell, from CFC. “Cancer causes many side effects in children, with the most common ones being, pain, fatigue, loss of cardiovascular conditioning, muscle weakness, balance issues, coordination difficulties, lack of confidence, self-esteem and concerns over self-perception. Cycling is the ideal way to combat these negative effects, it helps the children to keep moving but in a low impact way. It encourages them to get out in the fresh air and have fun with family and friends without even realising that they are exercising and building up muscle strength while keeping their hearts and lungs healthy and strong.”
The difference a bike can make is profound. Here’s how some families have shared their experiences:
George’s Parent:
"George went out on his bike for the first time this afternoon, and the difference between this and other heavier bikes he’s tried was amazing. He’s never had the confidence or the strength to cycle as fast as he did today. You will never know how grateful we are for this amazing gift!"
Heidi’s Parent:
"Thank you so much for sending Heidi a bike! She’s been able to get out on it today for a short while and is looking forward to building her strength back up. So grateful to you all."
Chloe’s Parent:
“I would just like to say a massive thank you for the bike Chloe received, we gave it to her over the weekend and she absolutely loves it! It is so nice to see her getting out and about riding it as some days she finds any sort of physical activity difficult, so this has really helped. Thank you again”
What can you do during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?
The 5 a Day challenge
In honour of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) is kicking off the 5 a Day Challenge, an inspiring initiative that raises awareness of a shocking statistic: every day, five children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer on average.
To show support, the challenge invites participants to ride 150 miles (or kilometres) throughout September, either in small rides with riding 5 miles or km or all in one go, representing the number of children diagnosed each day. CFC aims to get people of all ages—families, individuals, and cyclists—out on their bikes, having fun while making a real difference.
How to get involved
You can make a significant impact by participating in the 5 a Day Challenge. Here's how:
Spread the word on social media by sharing your progress. Be sure to tag @CyclistsFightingCancer on Instagram or Facebookto raise awareness. (Icons to be added here for social media platforms)
Fundraise for the cause! If you raise £200, you’ll receive a free CFC cycling jersey as a thank-you for your efforts.
All funds raised will be used to purchase lightweight and specially adapted bikes for children undergoing cancer treatment, directly contributing to their recovery and daily lives.
Team Frog, including our Chief Frog and founder Jerry and other members of Frog Bikes, are also participating in the 5 a Day Challenge this September by cycling more than 500km combined. They are eager to raise funds to support this incredible cause. Follow their journey and help them pedal with purpose as they ride to make a difference for children battling cancer.
Check out our JustGiving page and support Cyclists fighting Cancer !
Cycling is an exciting activity for kids, providing them with fun, freedom, and fitness. Wherever their kids’ bikes take them, safety should always come first, especially making sure they’re easily seen! One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance their safety on the road is by wearing high-visibility (hi-vis) clothing.
As the new school year approaches, many parents are seeking healthy and sustainable ways for their children to travel to school. Encouraging children to cycle to school is a wonderful way to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. With the right preparation and gear, your children can enjoy a safe and enjoyable ride to school every day.
Ensure the children are prepared for biking to school with our guide...
Located in the heart of London, Herne Hill Velodrome is a cycling haven with a rich history and a bright future. As one of the oldest cycling tracks in the world and the only surviving venue from the 1948 Olympic Games, the velodrome offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
It's a hub for cyclists of all ages and skill levels...
Explore these charming historic towns and cities across the UK on a family-friendly cycling adventure. Each destination offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and beautiful scenery that’s perfect for a kids' bike ride.
Check out our guide to help you plan your next family biking trip:
As the new school year approaches, many parents are seeking healthy and sustainable ways for their children to travel to school. Encouraging children to cycle to school is a wonderful way to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. With the right preparation and gear, your children can enjoy a safe and enjoyable ride to school every day.
Ensure the children are prepared for biking to school with our guide...
At Frog Bikes, we believe cycling is about the journey, the experiences, and the friendships we build along the way. This International Day of Friendship, we celebrate the bonds formed through our shared love of cycling and the countless adventures that bring us closer together - it’s the perfect team-building exercise!
In today's digital age, children increasingly gravitate towards indoor activities and screen time. While technology has its place, children hugely benefit from spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activities that promote their overall well-being. Among various outdoor activities, cycling stands out as a particularly beneficial one, offering a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Let's explore why encouraging outdoor play, especially cycling, is crucial for children's development. Here are some creative and practical ways to encourage kids to get on their bikes and pedal their way to fun and fitness.
Michael Mørkøv is a Danish professional cyclist known for his exceptional skills as a lead-out man in road racing and his success on the track. His journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
