Charity cycle raises £3200 for OcuMel UK

A 46-year-old man has raised £3200 after cycling 160 miles from his home town in Northwich in Cheshire to the Welsh town of Llandudno in support of OcuMel UK.

Howard Shaw (pictured) completed the journey over two days in June to raise money for the charity, who supported his close friend, Richard Nebard, after he was diagnosed with ocular melanoma.

Speaking about why he completed the challenge, Mr Shaw said: “I have been close friends with Richard since we met at university more than 20 years ago. Ever since Richard was diagnosed with ocular melanoma he has received wonderful support from OcuMel UK and that is why I selected them as my charity of choice.”

Mr Nebard was first diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2005 and was told two days before his wedding in 2016 that the cancer had spread to his liver. He is currently participating in a clinical trial, which includes weekly immunotherapy treatment.

Mr Nebard said: “What Howard has done to raise money for OcuMel UK is fantastic. He is a great friend and his support, along with that of my other friends and family, is simply marvellous.

“The support my family and I have received from OcuMel UK has been invaluable. They have provided us with advice on available treatments and links with other ocular melanoma patients that have helped us to build up a strong support network.”

He added that since receiving immunotherapy treatment since October 2017, the cancer has not progressed.

National director for OcuMel UK, Jo Gumbs, said: “It is through the efforts of people like Howard that we can continue to offer vital support to people affected by ocular melanoma and grow our charity to meet the individual needs of patients.”