A FORMER pupil from Kingsteignton’s Teign School who is now serving in the RAF has completed a gruelling 47-hour cycling challenge in aid of Myeloma UK.

Sergeant Neil King, who is currently serving with 47 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, completed his arduous challenge for the charity which is close to heart last week.

‘In 2019 my father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer that can often affect several areas of the body,’ said Neil.

‘As a keen cyclist I wanted to challenge myself and decided to embark on a 47-hour virtual cycling event and raise awareness of Myeloma UK at the same time.’

Myeloma UK is the only organisation in the UK dealing exclusively with myeloma, their ultimate goal is to find a cure. They continually strive to improve standards of treatment and care through research, education and raising awareness of myeloma. Relying almost entirely on voluntary donations and fundraising.

The marathon challenge started on March 17 with Neil braced for what would be his hardest ride to date. Support came from numerous friends, family and work colleagues joining him virtually during the long nights to keep his motivation going and his legs spinning on his turbo trainer. 

After cycling for 47-hours Neil completed his challenge at midday on March 19 after covering a staggering 239 miles and raising over £1600 for Myeloma UK.

‘I am blown away by the amount I have raised for Myeloma UK,’ continued Neil who in his 20 year RAF career has served at multiple locations across the UK and Europe, including operational deployments to the Middle East.

‘Initially the target was for £750, more out of hope than expectation, but to have doubled that figure is amazing. The early hours of Friday morning were a struggle, but I knew I had to keep pedalling, my 47 hours of pain is nothing compared to what my dad has to live with every day.’