UK CYCLIST AND CANCER PATIENT INSPIRES SURVIVORS TO LIVE THEIR DREAMS

British cyclist Luke Grenfell-Shaw, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, on Monday said that receiving a diagnosis for the deadly disease is like a death sentence, adding that one has to still create opportunities.

Shaw, who set off on a challenging cycle ride from Bristol to Beijing to raise funds for cancer charities, addressed at the Advanced Pediatric Centre at PGIMER. “Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel like a death sentence. I’m doing this ride to show it’s possible to live your dreams, even with cancer. The ailment does not have a barrier. But you’ve got to create your opportunities, no one else will do that for you,” said the 26-year-old man from Westbury-on-Trym.

He added: “This expedition would be seriously challenging even for someone living without cancer; however, I want to show that despite a cancer diagnosis you can set your horizons; that you need not be labelled and limited by it, rather it’s your dreams that determine your achievements.”

Organized by Dr Amita Trehan, professor in paediatric medicine, Advanced Pediatric Centre, PGIMER, with an intent to motivate others battling with the ailment, the session was well participated by equally inspiring others from PGIMER, including 10-year-old Sukhnaaz, on treatment for leukemia, Class 10 student Dev who is pursuing cyber security and a survivor of leukemia; and Ashutosh, a student of pharmacy from Panjab University and a cancer survivor.

Sharing his life’s journey with the audience, the cyclist said: “While teaching English in Siberia in 2018, I noticed an ache in my shoulder. At first, I presumed it was a pulled muscle, but later it was diagnosed to be a Stage IV sarcoma (rare cancer which had spread from his shoulder blade to his lungs) at the age of 24.”

He further said: “I was determined to take charge of my life and live it to the maximum. So, I founded a charity called CanLive on 19 October 2019, aiming to raise awareness and funds during the ride from Bristol, UK, to Beijing, China. Already covering 18,000 kilometres, the trip has provided me with an opportunity to share the experience with friends, family, and other young CanLivers, people living with cancer who are inspired to live life to the full and maximize their longevity.”

Luke’s inspirational story was complemented by interesting and encouraging stories from other cancer survivors.