Double tumour survivor saddles up for surgeons
A MAN who survived two deadly brain tumours is getting on his bike to raise cash for the surgeons who saved his life.
Brian Osland was struck down with a brain tumour in 2008 and was then diagnosed with a second case in December last year.
On both occasions Brian, 61, was treated by experts at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and as a show of thanks he is planning a marathon bike ride to raise money for the neurosurgery department.
As well as raising vital funds for the hospital, dad-of-two Brian, from Wansbeck Gardens, in Hartlepool, is hoping to prove to fellow tumour sufferers that they can rebuild their lives.
Brian and pal Bob Morrow. 60, also from Hartlepool, are preparing to take part in a ride between Edinburgh and Newcastle and then back to his hometown at the end of August.
The mammoth trek will be the second time Brian has done a bike ride in aid of James Cook, with his inspiration for his latest challenge coming as he lay in the hospital bed recovering from his most recent surgery.
Brian, who hopes to return to work as a contractor when he makes a full recovery, said: "The first time I cycled to raise money for the hospital I did 191 miles from Wanley Island, near Barrow, to Whitby and raised over 800.
"Fitness is important to me and I see this as something to focus on.
"I've been doing cycle routes like this for three or four years now. The first one wasn't for charity though, it was for fun, but it makes sense to do something like this to raise money for charity."
He added: "I would like to say to others that having a brain tumour is not the end.
Brian and Bob will set off from Edinburgh on August 28 and cycle down the coast to Newcastle, before continuing the ride to Hartlepool. They expect to cover up to 300 miles in total.
He added: "It would be a lot slower without Bob, I don't think it would be as much fun either.
"We're already thinking about our next trip, which is going to be from Lands End to John O'Groats – that's about 600 miles."
Brian said his wife, 41-year-old Anita, is "really enthusiastic" about his cycling.
He added: "They keep me fit and she's really pleased that I do them all.
"You've got to have a sense of adventure and want to do the ride, in my own case it's given me something to focus on.
"I do it for the pleasure, but raising money for Professor Phil Kane and his team at the hospital is an added bonus because they do a tremendous job."
Professor Kane said: "We wish Brian and Bob every success, it is great to see him looking so fit and well and back in the saddle.
"It never ceases to amaze me when patients who have gone through quite traumatic illnesses still take the time to raise funds for the department and future patients."
To sponsor Brian, call (01429) 297175 or email wildflower27@hotmail.co.uk.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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