A 32-year-old web developer from Maryport is set to embark on a fundraising challenge for a charity 'close to his heart'.

Diagnosed with leukaemia at just seven years old, Jon Waite is commemorating 25 years since his diagnosis by cycling from Newcastle to Maryport, raising money for Children’s Cancer North.

Jon will set off on Thursday, October 3, pedalling along the National 72 cycle route from his current home in Newcastle to his childhood home in Maryport.

The journey will span four days, concluding on Sunday, October 6.

The route holds even more personal significance as Jon would regularly receive treatment at Newcastle's RVI and West Cumberland Hospital between 1999- 2002.

No stranger to charity efforts, Jon’s previous fundraising activities have included the Great North Run and the Children’s Cancer Run, through which he has raised over £1,600 for Children’s Cancer North.

Jon meets former CFM presenter Robbie Dee during a previous fundraising effort. Jon meets former CFM presenter Robbie Dee during a previous fundraising effort. (Image: Supplied)

"I wanted to do something different to mark such a milestone," Jon said. 

For this cycling challenge, Jon hopes to raise £1,000 to support children currently battling cancer or those who may face it in the future.

"The money will go to children who are in a similar position to where I was 25 years ago. It’s my way of giving back to the charity that supported me," he said. 

Dr. Kevin Windebank, the leukemia consultant who treated Jon, will be joining him on day two of the cycle. Dr. Kevin Windebank, the leukemia consultant who treated Jon, will be joining him on day two of the cycle. (Image: Supplied)

In a heartwarming reunion, Jon will be joined by a familiar face on the second day of his ride, as he meets Dr Kevin Windebank, the leukaemia consultant who treated him all those years ago.

The two recently reunited years after Jon was given the all-clear in 2012.

Jon is inviting supporters to join him along the way, whether it’s cycling part of the journey or meeting him at the finish line in Maryport at around 5pm on Sunday (October 6), where a celebration will be held at the Lifeboat Inn.

The Twice Brewed Inn in Hexham has sponsored a room for Jon to stay in along his journey. 

To donate to Jon's ongoing fundraiser, you can click here. 

If you're interested in joining Jon on his journey, here is how the route is broken down:

  • Day 1 (Thu 3rd Oct): Newcastle (Cycle Hub) to Prudhoe (Transport Interchange)
  • Day 2 (Fri 4th Oct): Prudhoe (Transport Interchange) to Hadrian's Wall (Twice Brewed Inn)
  • Day 3 (Sat 5th Oct): Hadrian's Wall (Twice Brewed Inn) to Carlisle (Sands Centre)
  • Day 4 (Sun 6th Oct): Carlisle (Sands Centre) to Maryport (Christ Church / Harbour)