Cancer-stricken charity cyclist passes away
Kirsty Gibbins • Published 7 Sep 2012 09:30
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Nick (centre) his parents Jack and Kathleen Stormonth, and fellow cyclist David Bayley following the 'monster' Gran Fondo Milan San Remo in June.
A CANCER sufferer who declined treatment to take part in a 185-mile cycle and raise thousands for charity has sadly lost his battle with the disease.
Nick Stormonth, 36, passed away at St Columba's Hospice on Sunday, having been resident at the Edinburgh clinic since July 31.
His passing comes just a few weeks after the Edinburgh-based solicitor completed the gruelling Gran Fondo Milan San Remo in Italy in aid of his newly-established charity nico35 - set up to support people battling cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The Glassel Park Road resident, who lived with his parents Jack and Kathleen, was terminally diagnosed with inoperable peritoneal cancer last November and had suffered from Crohn's disease since childhood, but waived further courses of chemotherapy so he could focus on his passion for cycling.
The former Longniddry Primary pupil, who attended Stewart's Melville College in Edinburgh, raised more than £10,000 for causes including St Columba's Hospice, Maggie's Centres, Macmillan Cancer Support, after taking part in the June challenge.
Kathleen told the Courier: "What Nicholas did in Italy was amazing and there are still lots of other events going on with the charity. We will continue the work he started."
Nick's funeral will take place on Monday, in the chapel of Mortonhall Crematorium at 1pm.
Meanwhile, Lothian and Borders Police Cab Inspector Frank Smith and his brother Sergeant Phil Smith are gearing up for a gruelling charity cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats to raise funds for nico35.
They will be taking on the 13-day, 1,000 mile challenge on a mountain bike from Sunday, in aid of the charity nico35, set up by their friend and work colleague Nicholas Stormonth.
Inspector Frank Smith said: "Nick displayed immense bravery in refusing further medical treatment to allow him to spend his time raising as much sponsorship as possible for local cancer charities.
"As a result of his courageous and selfless actions, my brother and I decided to assist his cause by undertaking the Lands End to John O'Groats cycle and have gained the support and sponsorship from the Police, Council and Taxi and Private Hire Car trade in Edinburgh."
For more information see www.nico35.co.uk
This article appeared in East Lothian Courier 07 Sep 12
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