Support Chase the Sun challenge in memory of Leighton Buzzard mum Diane

Shaun Ward, 38, will be taking on the ‘Chase the Sun’ 205-mile ride in memory of his mum, Diane Parrott, who died on December 18 in Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

Diane, 55, had bravely fought Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and renal failure, having been diagnosed with the cancer eight years ago.

Shaun said: “In 2013 my mother started undergoing treatment. Unfortunately, the treatment failed to cure the cancer, but it was able to slow its development.

“One of the treatments caused kidney damage and she required full-time care, which my brother Craig gave up work to support. He gave her dialysis and much- needed support in her last few years.

“When the pandemic hit, my mother took it really badly, losing her faith, not able to experience her numbered days the way she had hoped.

“One thing she did manage to do, and that she loved, was a walk along the canal (although in her wheelchair) with my brother Craig and the dog. When permitted she would stop for a drink at The Globe.”

Diane was born in Kent as Diane Jean Cheyney and moved to Aylesbury in the late 60s. In 1982 she met Ian Ward and they got married, moving to Pitstone, and the couple had four boys: Shaun, Mark, Craig and Wayne. In 1997, Diane, Shaun, Mark and Craig moved to Nelson Road. Diane later worked at Morrisons.

Shaun said: “My mother loved going to the market every week for her bread and a cake. Her meat always had to come from Strattons, although she didn’t have much money she made sure it would spread to a few local businesses. She made Leighton Buzzard her home longer than anywhere else she had lived.”

Shaun’s Chase the Sun challenge is on June 19, starting at 4.41am in Minster, Isle of Sheppey. He will then have to reach Burnham on Sea before 9.33pm (sunset).

Shaun said: “I will be doing this event for Blood Cancer UK to try and find a cure and limit the number of people that have to suffer in this way.”

To donate: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shaun-ward7