James is the 'real hero'

Published 9 Jun 2010 14:54

A JOHNSTONE man who was given just a five per cent chance of surviving cancer met his childhood cycling hero after beating all the odds.

James Golding, 30, met Graeme Obree - better known as the Flying Scotsman - as he looks to taking on a 3,500 mile trek across the states to raise money for charity.

The duo met up in Glasgow during a short break in James's 874 mile cycle from John o'Groats to Land's End - a warm up for his American trip.

James said: "I loved cycling when I was a child and Graeme was always my hero and I had always wanted to meet him - it's funny in a way that it has taken cancer to make my dream come true."

James, who now lives in Northampton, was diagnosed with cancer in November 2008 when doctors found a tumour - 11.5cm in diameter - between his spine and his kidney.

In the following months James contracted septicaemia and peritonitis and his weight plummeted to just seven stone.

He spent nine months in hospital battling cancer and after chemotherapy and nine operations James was finally given the all clear on July 23 last year.

The determined man has chosen to mark his one year anniversary by crossing the finish line of his gruelling trip across America from Los Angles to Miami - having set off with friend Sean Newman just 30 days beforehand.

James added: "I had given cycling up a few years before I became ill but when I was in hospital all I could think about was getting back on the saddle and cycling again.

"I am determined to take on this challenge to raise money for Macmillan as the charity was fantastic in every way when I was ill."

Cycling legend Obree, who was played in film The Flying Scotsman by Jonny Lee Miller, said James was incredible for overcoming huge odds to beat his illness and taking on a massive charity challenge so soon after being given the all clear.

Graeme added: "James is an amazing person and has huge amounts of determination.

"It's nice to hear that I'm his childhood hero but I think he's the real hero.

"What he has already accomplished is incredible."

James is aiming to raise £100,000 for Macmillan and two other charities - CoppaFeel and Livestrong.

To sponsor James visit www.cycleacrossamerica2010.com

Tweet

Follow @thegazettepaper

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.