Giving Back for 20 Years of Care and Support

April 20, 2022

Rick Ashton spent half of his life with throat cancer. Diagnosed aged just 20, Rick received treatment and support from The Christie Charity before sadly losing his battle in March 2014, aged 40.

Ever since, in Rick’s honour, his brother Jarrod has been fundraising for The Christie Charity and this year hopes to surpass £30,000.

Jarrod said: “Even when he knew he was dying, Rick would not give in to cancer. I had just taken up cycling and Rick told me of a charity bike ride from Man United’s ground at Old Trafford to Blackpool – a total of 60 miles – and asked me to take part on his behalf as he wanted to give something back to the hospital that had treated him for 20 years.

“As Man United fans, I made him the promise that I would cycle it for The Christie, but I would cycle back for him. In Rick’s usual jovial way, his response was: “But that’s 120 miles, you’ll be dead before me!” Sadly, we lost him two days later.”

Since then, Jarrod has dedicated any spare time outside his work as a finance director for a commercial catering design and installation company to fundraising for The Christie Charity. Based in Hadfield at the foot of the Pennines, 54-year-old Jarrod is venturing north for his next challenge – to the Etape Loch Ness.

Despite his own health issues recently, Jarrod is determined to raise funds and awareness of The Christie Charity and share Rick’s story. In fact, after spinal surgery in December 2019, Jarrod completed a cycle that raised £1,500 in September 2020.

“Keeping my promise to Rick, I’ve also cycled from London to Paris, cycled through the streets of New York and, last year, I completed the two-day London Revolution 156.9-mile loop of the city. On 3^rd March this year, I’m taking on a 50km ride through the desert in Dubai. I chose the Etape Loch Ness because I’ve never cycled in Scotland before, and I thought Getting Messy with Nessie seemed like a good fundraising catchphrase!” added Jarrod.

Throughout his battle, Rick never let cancer dictate his life and it actually spurred him on to make more of it. He went back to college then on to university, followed by a 10-year career in local government. He lived his life to the full, had children and got married, but never lived in fear of cancer.

“For me, fundraising brings comfort; I’m honouring my brother and his legacy through keeping the promise I made to him, and I find it incredibly humbling when people donate.

“I’m hoping to get to the £30,000 mark this year, but I will continue to fundraise until my body can’t anymore. If my brother’s story of 20 years not giving in to cancer brings a little comfort and hope to those fighting cancer, it is a fitting legacy,” said Jarrod.

To donate to Jarrod’s fundraiser for The Christie Charity in Rick’s memory, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ride4rick2022