Press release posted 5 August 2022

A teacher from Reddish has signed up to do a 100 kilometre bike ride in September to celebrate the memory of his mum and grandma who both sadly died within 2 years of each other after both being diagnosed with cancer.

Science teacher Ryan Ashton, 29, has been at Alder Community High School in Hyde for 3 years where he leads on whole school enrichment, having previously also been a pupil there.

He is doing the Manchester 100 event on 11 September 2022, together with his best friend Jane MacGruer from Timperley, to help raise money for The Christie.

Ryan’s mum, Maria Riccio was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018 which later spread to the brain. She had chemotherapy and radiotherapy at The Christie and brain surgery at Salford Royal but sadly passed away in March 2021.

“I lost my beautiful mum last year after her incredible fight against cancer,” said Ryan. “This was only 2 years after losing my gran Jean to the same disease. They were my closest family at the time, and I felt very alone. Mum was my absolute world. She taught me all I know. Everything I have achieved is because of her. I miss her so much every day.
“I had never been to The Christie before cancer hit my family, but was astonished at what an incredible and inspirational place it is, and the amount of love and care for the patients and their families there.
“When I found out that mum’s cancer had spread, I feared the worst and thought we might only have 1 more year with her. But thanks to the amazing staff at The Christie, they gave us hope, and 3 more years with mum. It meant we could share priceless memories, like me proposing to my wife Alice in front of mum, and mum getting to meet her first 2 grandchildren, my first child and my brother’s first child.
“My best friend Jane is doing the ride with me. She is an expert cyclist, but I am grossly unprepared, so 100 kilometres in 1 day will be a huge challenge, but it will be worth it to support The Christie and help other people who are suffering from cancer and their families.”

Jane and Ryan used to teach together at a school in Salford. They have already raised more than £255 towards their £500 target.

Ryan and his family have previously raised more than £1,000 for The Christie by doing a Tough Mudder event.

Josh Hughff, sporting events officer at The Christie charity added: “We are incredibly grateful to Ryan and Jane for taking on this fantastic fundraising challenge for The Christie. The money raised provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds including money for care and treatment, research, and extra patient services. The funds make a huge difference to patients and their families.”

The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.