Documentary Chronicles Cancer Survivor's Global Journey on Tandem Bike Premieres at Kendal Mountain Festival
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18th November 2024
Bristol, 18th November 2024 – The documentary follows Luke Grenfell-Shaw MBE FRGS, diagnosed with incurable stage 4 cancer at 24 but who regardless of the diagnosis decides to cycle 20,000 miles from Bristol to Beijing on a tandem bike, joined by 800 people, will be premiered this week at Kendal Mountain Festival – the Europe’s leading adventure film festival – on 24th November 2024. The documentary is a joint collaboration between director Mike Rumsey, Oscar-winner Ellen Windemuth and WaterBear Studios.
A Life In Tandem is a 96 minute documentary shot during Luke’s cancer treatment and cycle journey. It offers an intimate and dynamic portrayal of how cancer changed Luke’s life but also unlocked his inner positivity to live his dream of cycling around the world. It shows how Luke ran the Bristol half marathon halfway through chemotherapy before cycling across the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. His adventure took him through Mariupol – whilst it was still Ukrainian-controlled – where he met an inspirational pastor who encouraged Luke to spread his message. Over 800 joined him on the tandem, including a 17 year old Indian schoolboy who’d had cancer as a child and cycled 1000 miles with him across India. Luke Grenfell-Shaw, star and producer of A Life In Tandem, says: “I want this film to give a little bit of hope and inspiration to anyone going through a dark time. Being physically active increased my chances of survival and even the smallest amount is infinitely better than nothing.”
In parallel, the documentary tells the story of Luke’s relationship with his mum, Jenny, as they rebuild their relationship after their lives suffer two more seismic upheavals: the shock death of Luke’s brother, John; and his parents’ separation. The film sensitively explores the impact of grief on families. Mike Rumsey, Director of A Life In Tandem, says: “On one level, it is the story of a young man living out his dream in what he believes to be his final months. On a deeper level, it examines the bond between mother and son and explores some of the harder questions of our existence: mortality, grief and what drives us forward.”
Richard Klein, Oscar-winner and former Controller of BBC4, sums up the film: “This is a terrific adventure film with a real difference. What marks this film several degrees ahead of what one might expect is the extraordinary nature of the journey, the gradual unpacking of his uneasy relationship with his own family and an overarching philosophical interrogation on the nature of what it is to be alive.”
In April 2024, Luke was awarded a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to fundraising for cancer charities, after raising over £130,000. In recognition of his efforts, he was also made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS) and patron of the cancer charity Move Against Cancer. After completing his cycle ride, Luke became a professional runner and has represented Great Britain. His cancer is still in remission, defying the expectations of his doctors.
Cancer is a significant and growing problem. In the UK more than 1000 people are diagnosed with cancer every day[1]. Worryingly, current trends indicate that rates of cancer are increasing in young people, with a 1% to 2% increase observed between 1995 and 2020 in the US[2], and a 22% increase in people aged 25-49 years over the last thirty years[3]. Rachel Kirby-Rider, CEO of Young Lives Vs Cancer, says: “Twelve children and young people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every day, and it's thanks to people like Luke that Young Lives vs Cancer is able to be there for the children, young people and families who need our support."
The film has two wider goals.
The first is to promote physical activity before, during and after treatment. An increasing amount of research has demonstrated that being physically active through treatment improves tolerance of chemotherapy, response to treatment and long term outcomes. Dr Lucy Gossage, Consultant Oncologist and Co-founder of Move Against Cancer, says: “There is an increasing amount of evidence that physical activity promotes positive outcomes for cancer patients. Move Against Cancer gives people diagnosed with cancer the support and community they need to become or remain active through their treatment.”
The second is to popularise the word “CanLiver”, the term Luke coined to refer to someone living with cancer. It suggests you can live with cancer, actively, optimistically and adventurously. It also acknowledges that living with cancer has challenges and uncertainties that cannot be escaped. The word is to be used as an alternative to “cancer survivor”, which suggests a certainty of having “beaten” cancer that does not apply to many young people and adults diagnosed with cancer.
Ellen Windemuth, Oscar-winner and founder of WaterBear Network, says: “Luke’s story is one of true leadership as he embraces the exertion and exhilaration of this trip. He defies social expectations and medical opinion to forge a new way of living with cancer. Here’s to the CanLivers!” Sam Sutaria, CEO of WaterBear Studios, adds: "Stories have the ability to build bridges between humans. Luke’s story is one of these stories: a powerful and needed reminder of incredible human resilience, and how one special person can show the world the need we have for connection, adventure and family."
A Life In Tandem is a Rumsey Films production, made in partnership with Waterbear Studios and with the support of Young Lives Vs Cancer and Infovault.
For further film festival screening updates, follow @alifeintandemfilm or @lukegshaw on Instagram or watch the trailer at www.alifeintandemfilm.com
ENDS
About Rumsey Films
Rumsey Films is a dynamic video production company specialising in character-led documentaries that blend adventure, curiosity, and social impact. With a focus on creating inspiring and engaging films, Rumsey Films also produces promotional, corporate, and brand videos that resonate with audiences. Committed to storytelling that sparks change, Rumsey Films strives to create content that not only entertains but also inspires action and drives social impact.
For more information visit https://rumseyfilms.com/
About WaterBear Studios
WaterBear is a B Corp Certified storytelling platform where entertainment meets impact. It’s the go-to place for unapologetically imperfect activists to feel a bit better about the world, and do some good while they're at it. Combining a diverse array of award-winning content with collective actions made possible through hundreds of non-profit partners, storytellers and purpose-driven brands, WaterBear is building a global community turning doomerism into do-more-ism.
And the best part? These stories and actions are available at any time, on any device, for free, because we believe that playing your part should never be behind a paywall.
Join our community who, like you, want to do some good today. https://www.waterbear.com/
About Young Lives Vs Cancer
Young Lives vs Cancer is the only charity in the UK with social workers who dedicate their time to provide tailored psychosocial support to children and young people with cancer, and their families.
We stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time.
For more information visit younglivesvscancer.org.uk
About InfoVault
InfoVault is a leading provider of consultancy, project management and business coaching services. It was founded by Dr Sarwan Sumon, an experienced strategist, leader and specialist at identifying and capturing business opportunities and delivering profitable outcomes. Dr Sarwan Sumon supported this film in loving memory of his nephew, Rickesh Bangam, who sadly lost his life to cancer in 2005.
For more information visit https://infovaultltd.com/
About Move Against Cancer
Our mission at MOVE Against Cancer is to support, inspire and empower anyone affected by cancer to live an active and fulfilling life. Our key programmes are:
● 8 week virtual support programme for anyone aged 13-30 diagnosed with cancer, which is designed and delivered on a 1-1 basis by MOVE Level 4 Cancer Rehab Specialists.
● 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer Groups: a support group with a difference which supports those living with and beyond cancer, their families and friends, and those working in cancer services, and encourages them to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at a local 5K Your Way group at designated parkrun events on the last Saturday of every month.
● Move Your Way Resources: An online education tool to support those impacted by cancer to move.
For more information about MOVE, email info@movecharity.org
Instagram: @moveagainstcancercharity
Facebook: @MOVE Against Cancer Charity
Twitter: @MOVEcharity
Contact
For more information contact:
Luke Grenfell-Shaw (Producer), email: lukegshaw@outlook.com or @lukegshaw on Instagram
[1] Cancer Research UK, 2024
[2] Yale Medicine, 2024
[3] Cancer Research UK, 2024