A new special limited edition One More City collection from Rapha aims to raise money for research combating the spread of breast cancer. What started as a project by RCC London member Christine O’Connell, One More City is now an annual challenge ride for cyclists to pedal between two cities – and to help boost its fundraising, Rapha has created a special kit design inspired by researchers’ cellular imaging, with all profits from the kit donated to fund research into the disease and its treatment…
Rapha One More City kit fights cancer
Almost a decade ago now, Christine O’Connell, a business consultant and active cyclist in London, was diagnosed with breast cancer, made it through intense treatment, and was able to get back to her regular life, including being a member of Rapha Cycling Club’s London chapter. In order to raise money for breast cancer support services, O’Connell started One More City in 2017 as a 24-hour challenge where 3 riders cycled from London to Paris.
But the following winter, “when cycling to a meeting, Christine had a seizure, and it was discovered the cancer had come back and had spread to her brain and bones.” Thus, after this unexpected return and Stage 4 diagnosis, the project evolved with a focus on funding research into secondary breast cancer – the advanced stages of the disease as it spread often undetected throughout the body.
In the years since, O’Connell has again bounced back (that’s her as the kit model, by the way) and her One More City project has raised more than £200k supporting The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).
After being landlocked in the UK in 2020 & 2021 due to COVID, 32 riders will break out to the continent again riding the 600km between Strasbourg, France and Munich, Germany starting today through the weekend. Rapha Clubhouses will also host day rides over the weekend in London, Munich, Amsterdam, San Francisco & Singapore to help more cyclists support the One More City campaign.
To raise money, Rapha has designed the special collection “inspired by the ICR’s annual science imaging competition, which showcases images from the ICR’s pioneering cancer research,” Christine said. “While representing something terrifying and heartbreaking, 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.”
Support the good fight with good kit
Available in the limited edition kit is a £95 / $130 / 115€ Pro Team Training Jersey for women or men, a £17 / $23 / 20€ pair of One More City Pro Team socks, a £17 / $23 / 20€ One More City cycling cap, and a £15 / $20 / 17.50€ musette.
All profits from the sales will go towards funding research into advanced breast cancer led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London. Find out more about the collection, how to buy it, and how to donate directly via Rapha.cc. Or get the full story at OneMoreCity.cc
