St Ives Man to Cycle 57 Miles in Memory of Partner

Published On: 26 August 2025Last Updated: 26 August 2025By CornishStuff

When Julie Finch, his partner of twelve years, died of cancer last November, Peter Davey wanted to commemorate her passing in his own, remarkable way.

With a diagnosis of mesothelioma himself, Peter began training to take part in the Sir Chris Hoy Tour de 4 cycling event in Glasgow this September.

Training in St Ives for the Challenge

A born and bred Cornishman, 68-year-old Peter has lived in St Ives all his life, and says he finds the surrounding hilly terrain the best possible preparation for the 56-mile circuit in Glasgow, which begins and ends in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on Sunday 7th September.

Sir Chris says his vision is to bring together people who have been affected by cancer – whether directly or indirectly – to challenge perceptions, inspire hope and raise vital funds for cancer charities across the UK.

Riding for Julie and Cornwall Hospice Care

Peter will be riding to raise funds for Cornwall Hospice Care in memory of Julie. He says:

“My name is Peter Davey, and I am taking part in the Chris Hoy Charity Tour De 4 on Sunday 7th of September in Glasgow, with my son Ben, and my friend Lorna Murray. We will be doing the 57 mile/92km ride. The event is to raise awareness, that there is life after a cancer diagnosis.

I am doing the ride in memory of my partner Julie Finch, who sadly died on the 1st November 2024 from cancer. Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30’s and was treated with radiotherapy, which seemed to do the trick! Then, 8 years ago, the cancer returned, and in the following 2 years, she had a double mastectomy. She passed away at the start of November 2024, with an extremely rare form of lung cancer. She was in her early 70’s and a fighter to the very end.”

Peter’s Own Diagnosis

Peter explained how his own diagnosis came shortly after Julie’s passing:

“I have suffered with asthma for most of my life, and was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis a couple of years ago, which effects the function of your lungs, so a year ago, I decided to get myself an electric bike to help improve my fitness and all-round health. It has been a game changer for me, both physically and mentally.

The week before Christmas 2024, I was taken into hospital, with worrying symptoms that unfortunately sounded incredibly similar to my partner Julies’. It was an incredibly scary and emotional time, having just been through all the devastation of losing Jules, to then be in a similar situation myself, less the 2 months later.

It took some time, and many tests and scans later, my diagnosis came back. Mesothelioma Lung cancer, due to being exposed to asbestos at work many years ago.

So now I am starting my own cancer journey, and would like to raise awareness and funds for Cornwall Hospice care, a wonderful charity, close to my heart, that relies on the generosity of donations from the community.”