Хирурги из Саутгемптона проедут 600 км по Альпам ради борьбы с раком пищевода

Two surgeons are gearing up for a gruelling charity cycle challenge. Tim Underwood and Jamie Kelly, of Southampton, will ride 600km through the French Alps to raise funds for oesophageal cancer research. The pair are part of a team cycling from Avignon to Annecy over six days, climbing a total of 14,000 metres. Tim Underwood, professor of gastrointestinal surgery at the University of Southampton and director of research at the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland, said: "Every one of the six days will be a long mountain day, with sustained climbs, heat, altitude and cumulative fatigue – which would challenge even the most experienced professional cyclist, never mind us amateurs." READ MORE: Runner's epic six-day charity trek from Totton to the summit of Snowdon complete The route includes some of the most famous climbs from the Tour de France, such as Mont Ventoux, Col d’Izoard, Col de Sarenne, Glandon, and Madeleine. They will be supported by oesophageal cancer survivor Nicola Packer, who was treated by the Southampton team, and Donna Sharland, upper GI clinical nurse sister specialist. Mr Kelly, a consultant upper gastrointestinal surgeon, said: "However hard it feels, we are doing this to raise critical funds for oesophageal cancer research to help patients who do not have a choice in their challenge. "Recovery after oesophagectomy is prolonged and demanding, often requiring months of physical and psychological adjustment." Oesophageal cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat successfully. Despite aggressive treatment, around 70 per cent of patients experience recurrence, and only 10 per cent survive for 10 years post-treatment. Southampton researchers are exploring new ways to treat the disease, including identifying rare residual cancer cells that survive treatment and cause recurrence. READ MORE: Teenager celebrates raising more than £6,000 for cardiac charity Prof Underwood said: "It matters enormously to us that Nicola will be supporting us. "It reflects something important about cancer care and research here at Southampton – it’s not just about operations, chemotherapy or lab science. "It is about long-term relationships between patients, families, nurses, scientists and clinicians, all working together to improve outcomes." Ms Packer, of Alton, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2021 at the age of 53.