In 2026, Chase The Sun cyclists raised Over £135,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Find out Why they took on this incredible fundraising challenge
Just some of our riders supporting Macmillan this year are Mark, Colin and Jon, all who have kindly shared their unique reasons for taking on Chase The Sun in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. By cycling coast-to-coast on the longest Saturday of the year, they helped raise an incredible £135,000+ for those affected by cancer. Read their stories below.
Mark Kirkman
“In 2013 I lost my dad to lung cancer, and a few years later one of my close school friends to the disease. I was fortunate to have a similar organisation to Macmillan’s Cancer Support back in South Africa that was supportive to my family during my father’s period of illness. This kind of support was invaluable and the work these organisations do cannot be overstated. Sadly, not everyone has this and there are very few of us that go through life unaffected in some way by this disease. I also have some special friends who have been able to defeat this terrible disease, in particular Breast and Liver cancer. Both of which required severe interventions involving Chemotherapy, a double mastectomy in one case and a liver transplant in the other.
In June this year I turned 50. To celebrate life and remember those close to me who have lost the battle and those who have been able to win, I attempted my biggest endurance challenge to date.”
Colin Robinson with his son Ollie
Colin Robinson
“The photo above is me with my son Ollie Robinson. This was taken at the cycling world gravel world championships which Ollie won and became world champion representing GB. On June 20th I attempted the 207 mile chase the sun challenge riding behind a world champion.
Chase The Sun takes place on the longest day of the year starting on the east coast on the Isle of Sheppey finishing on the west coast at Western-Super-Mare. The goal [was] to start and finish in daylight so approx. 16 hours to complete the 207 miles!!
Macmillan nurses were amazing when my Dad was in his last weeks suffering from Cancer, their support and help really helped my Dad and all our family in his last days. I also raised money for the charity on my 50th birthday and this year is my 60th birthday. I wonder what I’ll do for my 70th birthday.”
Jon Freeman
“I entered the event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Since loosing mum to cancer several years ago, I think it’s fair to say that I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t think of her in some way.
A huge thank you to Mark, Colin and Jon for sharing their stories.
Feeling inspired? Take on your own fundraising challenge for macmillan?
Take part in Chase The Sun 2027 in aid of Macmillan. Head to our Rides page, choose your route (either UK or Ireland) and pre-register interest for a Macmillan Rider Plus+ Entry.
When registration opens later in the year, you’ll have the best chance of securing a Macmillan Rider Plus+ entry.
You’ll get a Macmillan RidePlus+ package, including hot meals, an official ride jersey or gilet, inclusive bag transfer service and more. By making a fundraising pledge of £400, you’ll be both supporting people affected by cancer and save yourself £80 on the cost of a normal RidePlus+ entry fee.
