Man from Manchester Takes on 850-Mile Cycling Trip in Memory of Deceased Family Members
Joe Travers, a 31-year-old resident of Manchester, is embarking on an epic 850-mile cycling trip with his wife, Jules, to raise funds for two charities. The couple has named their expedition “Tour de Travers” and aims to complete it in 16 days. The journey is being undertaken in memory of Joe’s twin brother, Sam, who passed away from a brain tumor, and his father, Stephen, who lost his battle with prostate cancer.
The couple began their journey in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and will cycle alongside the River Rhine before reaching the famous Tour de France peak, Alpe d’Huez. At this location, they plan to scatter the ashes of both Sam and Stephen. Despite the challenging route, which includes 21 hairpin bends, the couple is determined to reach their destination as it holds a special significance for them. Joe shared, “Alpe d’Huez is a famous Tour de France climb that we always dreamed of tackling together. We were so close 12 years ago, but due to bad weather, we were forced to reroute.” He further added, “Sam and I then planned to scatter some of Dad’s ashes at the top following his long fight with prostate cancer, but due to Sam’s own illness – brain cancer – it wasn’t possible. So now it is mine and Jules’ turn to fulfill this wish and carry both Sam and Dad to the top – third time lucky!”
The couple will be bike-packing for the entire trip, carrying all their essentials on their bikes and mainly camping along the way. They will also make occasional stops at hotels for some rest and relaxation. The journey will take them through Holland, Germany, and France. Joe expressed his pride in carrying the ashes of his loved ones and scattering them at the top of Alpe d’Huez. He shared, “This ride has so much meaning to me but also gives me a chance to reflect on memories of spending time with my twin and my dad.”
Sam, who was married with two sons, passed away at the age of 30 in June 2024, just 13 months after his father, Stephen, who was 63. Sam’s symptoms began with a month-long migraine, and a scan revealed an aggressive brain tumor. Although the surgery to remove it was successful, the tumor recurred within five months, and Sam passed away.
Joe is determined to raise awareness and funds for The Brain Tumour Charity, which funds research for new treatments and early detection of brain tumors. He shared, “To look on as you lose a loved one to something like a brain tumor is heart-breaking, but we really want to help in any way we can.” He added, “This is why we are taking on this challenge – to bring more awareness for both these difficult to detect cancers, and to bring some light from the dark. It’s what they both would have wanted.”
Lily Finlay, Community Fundraiser for The Brain Tumour Charity in the northwest of England, expressed her gratitude to Joe and Jules for their efforts and wished them luck on their cycling challenge. Finlay shared, “Malignant brain tumors are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s, and it’s only through the incredible fundraising efforts of people like them that we’ll change this shocking statistic in the future.”
To support the couple’s fundraising efforts for The Brain Tumour Charity and Prostate Cancer UK, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/tour-de-travers.