What does Lance Corporal Joe Rigby have in common with Joe Wicks, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Roy Castle? They all took on 24-hour challenges to fundraise for charity, and on 15th December 2021, Joe will take on a challenge of his very own, in support of his girlfriend, Becca.
“After listening to Becca speak so highly of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and everything it stands for, there was never going to be another charity I was going to fundraise for.”
“Becca and I went to secondary school together in Chester. I knew of her and always had a crush on her, but as she is two school years above me, I must have been invisible! But a decade after leaving school I finally plucked up the courage to ask her out for coffee – and we have been inseparable ever since.
“When Becca was first diagnosed, I was angry at first – she is such a wonderful and happy soul, why did this have to happen to her? Then, my mindset changed, I just wanted to protect her and to do everything I could to make her feel happy and safe.
“I admire so much about Becca, her positivity, her kindness, and her overall outlook on life. But without a doubt it is her mental strength that amazes me every single day.”
My challenge
“I’ve been a soldier in the British Army for six years and specialise in personal training. I have always had a passion for health and fitness – so a cycling challenge seemed like a perfect fit for me.
“So, on 15th December, I will be cycling for 24 hours on a stationary Wattbike to raise funds and awareness for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. They’ve been a real support to Becca helping her to share her story, and with the charity being one of the only few charities that focus on lung cancer in the UK, I knew I wanted to fundraise for them.
“Obviously, I’m a little anxious about the challenge, but I’m trying to not to think about it too much – hopefully I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew! All I know is that I will give it my all, and I’m pretty confident that I will complete it.
“No one deserves lung cancer, and the more people know about the disease, the better. Lung cancer can happen to anybody at any time, and the earlier that it can be diagnosed, the sooner treatments can be started.
“Becca is working hard to beat the stigma surrounding lung cancer, something which I know Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation are passionate about doing too. This is no mean feat, and I hope that my challenge will help in some way, while also raising important funds for the charity’s support services and research projects.”
Joe’s challenge is on Wednesday 15th December at Beacon Barracks in Stafford. To donate and show your support, visit his GoFundMe page here.
