Pedalling for Gavin: Ballymena family takes on 10-hour cycling challenge to support NIPANC
- Love Ballymena
- Dec 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Gavin and Elaine Lowry, with sons Timmy (left) and Joshua (right)
A Ballymena family is rallying behind a much-loved father, husband, and classroom assistant as they take on an extraordinary endurance challenge to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and vital funds for the charity NIPANC (Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer).
The event, organised by Gavin Lowry’s daughter-in-law Megan with support from wider family and friends, has already raised more than £3,000 — with hopes that the total will continue to climb in the run-up to the challenge on Friday 12th December at 11pm through to Saturday 13th December at 9am at Amplify Health and Fitness, Crebilly Business Park, Ballymena.
The community can offer their support and make donations by tapping the button below.
Gavin, a former firefighter and popular classroom assistant at Castle Tower School, Ballymena, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November. Known for his dedication to the community and unwavering warmth, he is a devoted husband to Elaine and a proud father to Josh and Timmy.
Gavin with wife Elaine
Speaking about the challenge, Megan said:
“My Father-in-Law Gavin is a former firefighter and much-loved classroom assistant from Castle Tower School, Ballymena. He is a devoted husband to Elaine and proud dad to Josh and Timmy.
“Gavin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November this year. Gavin and we as a family have already been shown incredible support, and we want to keep that momentum going—raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and supporting NIPANC, who stand beside families just like Gavin’s.”
Pedalling Against Pancreatic Cancer
To honour Gavin and highlight the impact of pancreatic cancer — which affects around 10,500 people in the UK and 511,000 worldwide every year — Megan and her cousin Samantha Smyth will alternate on an erg bike, each completing 10.5km every 30 minutes for 10 hours. Together, they will cover an extraordinary 210km.
Gavin’s daughter-in-law Megan Lowry (right) along with cousin Samantha Smyth.
A second erg bike will run simultaneously, powered by volunteers taking on 10.5km legs, either solo or shared with a friend. The support bike aims to reach a further 210km, with organisers encouraging locals to step up and take part.
The final push comes on Saturday morning at 8am, when teams will take on a combined 91km across ski and row ergs — culminating in a powerful symbolic total of 511,000 metres.
That is one metre for every person diagnosed with pancreatic cancer worldwide each year.
Everyone is welcome to join the event, whether by cycling a leg, cheering on the teams, or coming along for refreshments as the final metres are completed.
Supporting NIPANC’s Lifesaving Work
Megan highlighted the importance of supporting NIPANC, a Northern Ireland charity dedicated to improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer through awareness, early diagnosis, research, and family support.
She said:
“NIPANC is a Northern Ireland charity working to improve the outcomes of pancreatic cancer by increasing public understanding of this cancer, promoting awareness of the cancer’s signs and symptoms by both medical professionals and members of the public, funding vital research, and supporting patients and their families.
“NIPANC has its roots in a group of people affected by pancreatic cancer coming together for support and to raise funds to promote better diagnosis and treatment for future patients.
“Without a fundraiser like this one NIPANC would not be able to continue its vital work raising awareness, striving for early diagnosis, supporting patients & their families and helping to fund research. Please help me to help NIPANC.”
The community can offer their support and make donations by tapping the button below.
