Chris gearing up for ARCHIE and Mark’s Bike Ride months after cancer fight

When Chris Dall went to see his doctor about what he thought was a nail infection – little did he realise he would soon be battling skin cancer.  

Now, just months after being given the all-clear, the 46-year-old from Turriff is set to cycle 265 miles across the north of Scotland as part of ARCHIE and Mark’s Big Bike Ride with world-record breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont.  

Thirty riders will leave from the Tayside Children’s Hospital to the Highland Children’s Unit before reaching Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital the next day.  

Money raised from the epic cycle will benefit children and their families in the three cities ARCHIE supports.  

Chris, who is dad to 11-year-old Nicol and Ruari, 9, is now raising money to help ARCHIE support families who find themselves in similar unexpected situations through emergency grants when they are faced with traumatic events.  

He said: “It’s a great cause – and that’s been further reinforced by people when I tell people I am taking part in the ride. Being a dad, it is a cause close to my heart.  

“I think it’s important what ARCHIE is doing. It’s supporting kids in their moment of need – but also families too. I think the families are often forgotten about and the emergency funding ARCHIE provides will really help families in need.”  

The ARCHIE Foundation provides a number of grants to help children while they are in hospital, including supporting families struggling to meet living costs while their little one receives treatment. 

It was this and his cancer scare which inspired him to raise money for the charity.  

Chris added: “It showed me how something can come out of the blue.  

“Having the cancer sprung on me has made me realise you don’t know what’s around the corner.”  

Chris admits he was “extremely lucky” with his cancer as he did not have to undergo any chemo or radiotherapies.   

He first went to his doctor with, what he thought, was a fungal nail infection. His nail was treated as such for the next year but it gradually got worse. In 2017, it was found to be cancer underneath his finger nail.  

Following considerations of the options available, Chris decided to have the affected finger amputated. He was eventually given the all-clear in December 2018 and is feeling great.  

“I feel great now but I felt fine great throughout my treatment – although mentally it was very difficult,” Chris said.  

“I did a similar race three years ago and I saw this as motivation to get back to full fitness on my bike after my illness .”  

Chris is now relishing the chance to ride alongside Mark Beaumont and admits he has been in awe of some his cycles.  

“I’ve read his books and about his round the world cycle – I’m in awe of what he did. He’s phenomenal.  

“I really want to find out what makes him tick and what motivates him to do these things.”  

To follow Chris’s progress and donate to his efforts, visit JustGiving.com/chris-dall1. 

There are still opportunities to join Mark and Chris on ARCHIE and Mark’s Big Bike Ride. Email claire@archiefoundation.org.uk to find out more.