Saved By cyclists

Shortly after being told his cancer was terminal, Charles Frost had a chance encounter with a fellow cyclist that ended up saving his life.

- David Bradford

Two and a half years ago, doctors told Charles Frost, then 64, that options for his prostate cancer treatment had been exhausted. After radiotherapy and months of follow-up tests, “they took biopsies but then said, actually it’s too late, you’ve had it, mate. They put me on palliative care.”

The strangest thing for Frost was that he felt fine. “I never felt ill, despite having this life-threatening disease. The waiting was very, very stressful — really bad psychologically.”

As a result of this stress, his business of 30 years, designing conservatories, folded, and he hit a lifetime low. He was told he had about three years to live and would remain fully mobile for at least 12 months. Desperate to make the most of the time he had time left, and having always kept fit, Frost decided to cycle across France.

“While googling for route ideas, I chanced upon the book France en Vélo [co-authored by regular CW contributors Hannah Reynolds and John Walsh], and based my ride around it.”