A Wolves fan who completed a gruelling set of cycling challenges to raise money for Cure Leukaemia is encouraging others to add to the pedal power – and sign up for the London 2 Paris ride taking place in September.

Adam Bourne, inspired by Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme’s battle with leukaemia, wanted to show his support and raise money for the charity by taking part in a series of marathon bike rides and running the Wales Half Marathon over the last month.

From late June to the end of July, Adam cycled the Malvern Mad Hatter (93 miles),

Velothon Wales (87.5 miles), Wales Sportive (112 miles) and Ride London (100 miles), also, just for good measure, taking on that Half Marathon taking place the day after the Wales Sportive.

“I usually do one event like this every year, but when I decided I was going to ask people for

sponsorship, I thought I would really challenge myself,” says Adam, who has raised almost £700 for Cure Leukaemia so far.

“As soon as I saw the news about Carl, it really hit me and upset me, because I felt like I had really followed him on his Wolves journey.

“It also reminded me of some of my family members who faced their own cancer battles, especially my Nan, who always said to me about doing something for a cancer charity.

“So many Wolves fans were taking on so many amazing challenges, and the support I have had, even from strangers, has been truly humbling.

“It was very tough over the few weeks, with different challenges including the heatwave, and riding up the Caerphilly mountain, but my main inspiration was Carl.

“I can’t really complain about tired legs, the weather being too hot or wet, when you see and hear what people like Carl have to go through when battling diseases such as leukaemia.

“And, with all the people who had sponsored me, I was never ever going to give up.

“Strangely, it was after my first event that I checked my phone and saw the news Carl was in remission.

“To read that was amazing, and made me realise that what I was attempting to do would be worthwhile.

“Carl actually announced his retirement just a couple days before my last event, which was Ride London.

“I was kind of expecting it, but it was still hard to take, given that he had been at Wolves for 18 years and kept fighting his way back from injuries and loans.

“Along with every other Wolves fan, we knew he would fight his diagnosis with everything he has got.”

All in all, Adam, from Worcestershire, covered a total of 400 miles and between 23,000 and 24,000 feet of climbing!

That would have been a nice little preparation ahead of the next big Cure Leukaemia cycling fundraiser, the return of the London to Paris 500km ride from September 20-23.

Riders can take part in the four-day trip with all food and accommodation covered, as well as road closures ensuring complete freedom and safety before finishing with an escort up to the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower.

Every aspect of the ride is planned with precision and includes having access to that all-important support team of mechanics, motorcycle outriders and sports physios.

And the event is by no means just for cycling’s elite – there are four different speed groups so even a relative beginner can complete the journey, with a little training of course!

Adam is unable to take on the challenge this year, but would urge others who are interested to get themselves in the saddle!

“For any aspiring cyclist, this would be a great event, and something I would love to get involved with in the future,” he said.

“And if anyone is thinking about doing something for Cure Leukaemia, all I would suggest is – just do it!

“People will help you spread the word, and cycling from London to Paris will be a fantastic experience at the same time as raising money for such an important charity.”

To donate to Adam following his impressive challenge click HERE.

For more details about Cure Leukaemia’s London to Paris ride, click HERE or email beinspired@cureleukaemia.co.uk.