Sick twins’ uncle trains for charity ride to Paris (From Gazette)

Garwood twins inspire uncle's Paris bike ride

7:20pm Thursday 4th February 2010 in News By Lauren Oldershaw

THE uncle of twins who are battling cancer is taking part in a 350-mile charity bike ride.

Oliver Brock, 36, of Constantine Road, Colchester, is training for the challenge in May, when he will pedal his way from London to Paris in just four days.

The web consultant, who runs his own business in the town, has already beaten his original target of £2,000, with pledges for £2,700, and he hopes he can exceed £3,000.

He was inspired to raise cash for the charity Children with Leukaemia after his identical twin nieces, Megan and Gracie Garwood, were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last year.

The four-year-olds lived in Colchester until recently, when they moved to Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Megan was first tested for the illness at Colchester General Hospital after complaining of tiredness. Three weeks after her positive diagnosis, it was discovered Gracie also had the condition.

The twins face two years of chemotherapy treatment before the family hopes they get the all-clear.

Mr Brock, whose sister Emma is the girls’ mum, said: “The whole family are still in shock.

“One week we were enjoying a family barbecue and all the children were playing happily, and then suddenly both girls are literally fighting for their lives.

“Thankfully now, although they both have a very long way to go, we have been told they stand a good chance of making a full recovery.”

Mr Brock will set off on May 10. To sponsor him, visit www.bmy charity.com/V2/oliverbrock