Footballer’s leukaemia fight inspires LEJOG ride
A team of seven cyclists are riding from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for Leukaemia UK.
The challenge of cycling the route of some 1,000 miles came about after former Guernsey footballer Jacques Isabelle was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in January 2022.
He has recovered well, but in wanting to help find a cure for the disease he decided to tackle the epic ride to raise funds to help research.
He is being accompanied by his brothers, Marc and Gerard.
While they both live in Guernsey, Jacques now lives and works in Dubai, as does fellow Guernseyman Chris Mauger, who is another member of the ride team.
Also taking part are Jordan Williams, from Wales who works in Dubai, and Guernsey-based Richard ‘Pez’ Perrio and Ramon Gacio.
Accompanying the riders are two support staff – Dawn Thomas, who last year undertook a challenge of her own to reach Everest base camp, and Bridge2 charity founder Sarah Griffith.
‘All of us were motivated to help Jacques when we heard of his plans to do the ride after his diagnosis,’ said Ms Griffith.
‘Personally I have known Jacques as he was a contemporary of my own son, Jack, and he contributed to my charity Bridge2.
'It was then I noticed just how fantastic he was with kids in motivating them with sport.’
The team set out last Monday and are aiming to complete the ride in 10 days.
As of mid-afternoon yesterday they were close to Retford, east of Sheffield.
Their JustGiving fundraising page can be found here
