Jay Hitchen riding in his 7th Great Cycle Challenge this month (CHAT NEWS TODAY file)

By Brian Konrad

Medicine Hat man climbs back onto bicycle in the fight against cancer

Aug 16, 2024 | 9:47 AM

A Medicine Hat man is once again riding his bicycle around the city in support of the fight against childhood cancer.

This is the seventh year Jay Hitchen has taken part in the Great Cycle Challenge.

He’s already raised nearly $30,000 for the cause.

Hitchen has survived cancer twice and says that and stories from others about losing a child or their own battle with cancer is what motivates him to climb onto his bicycle every day.

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” For me it was really becoming a grandparent in the last four years and identifying with those grandkids, and the fact that I know that there’s three kids every week in Canada that die of cancer, and that just breaks my heart,” Hitchen said.

“So, for me to be able to get on a bike, raise some funds and hopefully make a difference and give cancer a swift kick in the butt really motivates me to get out there,” adds Hitchen.

“Riding around on a bike that’s not really a challenge; the challenge is to beat cancer and give these kids a life worth living,” says Hitchen.

Anyone can take part in the Great Cycle Challenge, either by riding or by donating.

Hitchen’s goal is to raise $7,500 this month.