HARTMANN’s Managing Director Richard Cornwell has completed rigorous training and the 100-mile long Ride London cycling challenge, all to raise money for the hospital which saved his daughter’s life.
Cornwell took on the challenge on 4th August 2019, cycling 100 miles across the streets of London and Surrey in just 4 hours and 54 minutes, beating his record time and exceeding his own expectations.
HARTMANN's Managing Director Completes Ride London After Daughter's Cancer Battle
Cornwell’s daughter Olivia was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2008 when she was just 4 years old. The cancer, which affects the Lymph Nodes, meant that Olivia had to go through 2 years of chemotherapy and the family found themselves in and out of hospital during this time. The Royal Marsden Hospital, based in London, provided incredible care and support for both Olivia and the Cornwell family, helping her to make a full recovery just a few years later.
“She went through hell and it was a hugely worrying time” Cornwell explains, “The treatment she got at The Royal Marsden was second to none. Now, we’re just trying to find a way to pay them back.”
“Since Olivia got ill, I’m much more determined to challenge myself and get the most out of life” he states, “and while pushing myself I might as well raise money for a worthwhile charity too.”
In preparation for the big day, Cornwell cycled a total of 3100 miles in just 8 months, all whilst in the role of Managing Director for HARTMANN UK&I and raising a family, which didn’t prove to be an easy task. However, through sheer determination and a willingness to show his appreciation for a cause close to his heart, Cornwell completed the race he’d been wanting to try for years.
“About 4 years ago I got into cycling in a really big way, I spend a lot of time cycling at weekends and whenever I can” he explains; “If you’re into cycling and live around about the South-East you know of Ride London, it’s like The London Marathon equivalent for bike riders.”
“She went through hell and it was a hugely worrying time” Cornwell explains, “The treatment she got at The Royal Marsden was second to none. Now, we’re just trying to find a way to pay them back.”
“Since Olivia got ill, I’m much more determined to challenge myself and get the most out of life” he states, “and while pushing myself I might as well raise money for a worthwhile charity too.”
In preparation for the big day, Cornwell cycled a total of 3100 miles in just 8 months, all whilst in the role of Managing Director for HARTMANN UK&I and raising a family, which didn’t prove to be an easy task. However, through sheer determination and a willingness to show his appreciation for a cause close to his heart, Cornwell completed the race he’d been wanting to try for years.
“About 4 years ago I got into cycling in a really big way, I spend a lot of time cycling at weekends and whenever I can” he explains; “If you’re into cycling and live around about the South-East you know of Ride London, it’s like The London Marathon equivalent for bike riders.”
This isn’t the first challenge that Cornwell has completed in honour of The Royal Marsden either, in 2010 just as his daughter went into recovery, he completed The London Marathon and in 2012 he ran The Prague Marathon.
But Cornwell has no plans to stop yet. “It comes to the finish line and you say ‘never again’ but two days later you start thinking about what you can do next.” he enthuses, “I’m thinking about doing the London to Paris bike ride this year, that’s another iconic ride.”
For Ride London alone, Cornwell has raised almost £2,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, completely smashing his original £500 target. The charity helps to ensure nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and ground-breaking research to creating the very best patient environments, they are dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by cancer.
But Cornwell has no plans to stop yet. “It comes to the finish line and you say ‘never again’ but two days later you start thinking about what you can do next.” he enthuses, “I’m thinking about doing the London to Paris bike ride this year, that’s another iconic ride.”
For Ride London alone, Cornwell has raised almost £2,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, completely smashing his original £500 target. The charity helps to ensure nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and ground-breaking research to creating the very best patient environments, they are dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by cancer.