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Sponsored bike ride for Whitstable man Clive Moss after pancreatic cancer diagnosis

A group of colleagues have rallied to support a father-of-two who is battling pancreatic cancer.

Clive Moss, 55, received the devastating diagnosis in February.

He soon underwent surgery at King’s College Hospital in London to remove the affected organ, but later scans revealed cancerous cells had spread to his lymph nodes, and he was recently started on a six-month course of chemotherapy.

Clive (centre) with his daughter Alex (left) (14238779)
Clive (centre) with his daughter Alex (left) (14238779)

An electrician by trade, Clive had been working on the Crossrail development in London when he was diagnosed. But he had to stop work in February due to his illness, and has been unable to return since.

“It’s life-changing, financially,” said Clive, who lives in Green Leas, Chestfield, with his wife Sarah.

“For most people, if you have no income then after about six weeks it starts to completely change your future plans.

“Whereas you previously thought ‘nine to 10 years to go then I can retire happily’, that changes.”

Clive says he has been forced to spend his savings on making mortgage payments and supporting his family.

“One of your main concerns is protecting your home,” he said.

“That was going to be my retirement pot, but now the retirement pot is no more.”

Bikers on the route last Sunday
Bikers on the route last Sunday

Now, a group of Clive’s former colleagues have launched a fundraiser to help him and his family.

Last Sunday, a group of about 25 met in Chestfield to cycle a 50-mile loop around Whitstable - raising more than £3,600.

“It was amazing,” said Clive. “It’s the financial support, but also the emotional support you get from a big group of people turning up like that.

“One man who has retired came all the way from Wales just to take part.”

Clive’s colleagues are also holding “toolbox talks” at Crossrail to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, which can be hard to identify in its early stages.

His former boss Simon Sanders said: “Clive is a great guy - we’ve worked together for about 10 years and just want to support him really.

The team last Sunday. Pic: Simon Sanders
The team last Sunday. Pic: Simon Sanders

“It’s about spreading awareness.” Clive says he was only diagnosed with cancer after suffering from severe jaundice.

“It turned out a bile duct was blocked and there’s a reason for that - it was a tumour encroaching on it,” he explained.

“What I’d say is don’t be afraid to go to the doctor if you think something is wrong.

“Men sometimes sort of soldier on a bit, maybe out of embarrassment or fear. But people should not have fear.”

Clive has thanked Macmillan Cancer Support for their advice and work in providing comfortable spaces at hospitals for cancer patients and their families.

“The oncology care at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital has also been absolutely fantastic,” he added.

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable

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