Pals get on their bikes for cancer victim dad

Published on Monday 23 February 2009 08:49

FRIENDS and family of a young father and keen cyclist who died suddenly of skin cancer are planning a 130-mile bike ride to his birthplace in his memory.

Andrew Best, 36, died from malignant melanoma shortly before Christmas.

Now his grieving brother and friends hope to raise at least 20,000 for cancer charities by cycling from Edinburgh to Portadown, Northern Ireland.

They hope that around 100 cyclists will take part over a weekend in June, and say they are planning to hold an annual fundraising event to keep his memory alive.

Mr Best, who lived in Fairmilehead and worked for the medical equipment company, Ethicon, in Livingston, had been successfully treated for skin cancer three years before.

But doctors discovered it had returned in September and, despite chemotherapy treatment, his condition rapidly deteriorated before his death on December 11.

He is survived by his wife Nicola and two daughters, Emily, four, and Rachel two.

His brother, Neal, 30, said: "After it came back it was a very quick decline. It was a shock to all of us. He had been quite fit and healthy up to then.

"He loved the outdoors, and used to go cycling in the Pentlands and Aviemore. He was very good humoured, and a truly genuine guy. He would never have a bad word to say about anyone. He loved being a father and was devoted to his girls."

Born in Northern Ireland, Mr Best had lived in Edinburgh since arriving as a student at Heriot-Watt 18 years ago. He had met Nicola at university, and two years after graduating he moved back to the city.

Following his death, his family wanted to channel their energy into doing something positive, in support of the Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses who cared for him in his last few weeks.

His close friend Alastair Raitt, from Portobello, came up with the idea of the sponsored bike ride, which they are calling "The Best Way". It will take place in three stages, from June 12 to 14, ending with a barbecue at Portadown Rugby Club. They hope at least 50 people will take part in each stage. Another friend, David Banks, designed their website.

Mr Raitt said: "We want to do something to feel useful and remember Andy. We thought this would be appropriate as he loved cycling – he cycled the Union Canal just a few years ago.

"He was always very active. He enjoyed playing squash and was a keen rugby player until he injured his knee.

"This has been a nightmare for his family. His wife Nicola has been an inspiration. She is managing to hold everything together and keep going for the children."

He said they welcomed any offers of donations and support for the event.

&#149 www.thebestway.org.uk