Grandmother inspires Norwich student’s charity bicycle ride across Europe
Cycling 700 miles to raise money for cancer research was brought into sharp focus for a Norwich student after his grandmother died of the disease during his trip.
Sean Harris, 20, was cycling from Zurich in Switzerland to Rotterdam in Holland to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The University of East Anglia English literature student decided to take on the challenge after discovering his grandmother, Patricia Harris, 74, from Wymondham, had cancer.
The challenging cycle proved to be a great success for Sean though, and a fitting tribute to his grandmother, as he raised just over �1,000.
The former Wymondham High School student, pictured, said: 'The cancer came on too quick for my parents to get me back home in time but I saw nan about three days before I left and she was about as well as someone with cancer can be.
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'I probably would have done it for Cancer Research UK anyway but it just kind of happened that my nan got worse quite quickly and deteriorated while I was away.
'I was kind of thinking �700 or �800 would have been a good amount to raise so I am very, very pleased to have raised over �1,000.'
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Sean is a part-time steward at Wymondham Dell Bowls Club and paid the expenses for the trip from his own pocket.
He said that despite a few mechanical problems, and getting a little bit lost, the trip was very memorable for all the right reasons.
He added: 'I am amazed how kind, friendly and helpful the people were that I met during my ride. I did not get a puncture, but had problems with my brakes and wheel alignment.
'The start was a lot harder than the finish but I wanted it to be like that and I really did enjoy it.'
- If you would like to donate to Sean's cause go to www.justgiving.com/SeanHarris1401019
- Are you raising money for charity? Call Local Life editor David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk
