Christine O’Connell, a keen cyclist and Rapha Cycling Club member, has teamed up with Rapha to produce the One More City apparel collection, with all jerseys including a label reminding cyclists to be breast aware.
O’Connell, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2012, at the age of 40. After undergoing an intense period of treatment in the following year, her life gradually returned to normal. Then, in February 2018, when cycling to a meeting, she had a seizure, and it was discovered the cancer had come back and had spread to her brain and bones.
Christine had set up One More City, an annual cycling appeal, in 2017 to raise money for breast cancer support services. Since her stage 4 diagnosis in 2018, the campaign has focused on funding research into secondary, or advanced breast cancer, where the disease has spread round the body.
Christine has already raised over £130,000 to fund a PhD student at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).
“This year’s design was inspired by the ICR’s annual science imaging competition, which showcases images from the ICR’s pioneering cancer research,” Christine O’Connell said.
“While representing something terrifying and heart-breaking, I was taken by the beauty of the images including some of breast cancer, and cancer cells on the move and the story they tell.
“I explained the concept to the Rapha design team and they were able to create a stunning pattern for the One More City collection. The design also has hints of the floral patterns that have been part of the One More City jerseys from the beginning, with flowers representing resilience and renewal.
“There is also the traditional story label, a cycling take on how to check your breasts. I want people to have a beautiful jersey that they love wearing, and that carries a unique message.”
The inaugural One More City ride in 2017 was a 24 hour challenge that saw three cyclists undertake a ride from London to Paris. In past years, participants have ridden from Paris to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Strasbourg.
In 2020 and 2021, due to Covid 19, the challenge was restricted to England; and riders completed London to London via the Peak District, and Reading to Penzance via Land’s End. This year, 32 cyclists will ride 600km between Strasbourg and Munich over four days.
To support the initiative, Rapha Clubhouses will host day rides in London, Munich, Amsterdam, San Francisco and Singapore to provide opportunities for more people to back the One More City campaign.
All profits from the sales will go towards funding research into advanced breast cancer led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London.
Christine O’Connell added, “I’m delighted that this year in collaboration with Rapha we are expanding One More City, with one-day rides happening in the US, Europe and Asia during the month of October, the global Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“The goal is to engage with many more riders and supporters around the world and make an even bigger contribution to the future of treatment for secondary breast cancer, so ultimately more cancer patients can live better and longer lives.”
2022 sees the start of fundraising for a second new PhD studentship at the ICR. This new position will also be seeking to improve the outlook for secondary breast cancer patients. Recruitment for the first funded position is moving forward in the ICR’s upcoming annual student recruitment round, which attracts some of the brightest and most passionate candidates from around the world.
- One More City Pro Team Training Jersey – RRP £95
- One More City Pro Team Socks – RRP £17
- One More City Cap – RRP £17
- One More City Musette – RRP £15
www.onemorecity.cc
www.rapha.cc
