BBC One Show Stuns Charity Founder with Star-Studded Surprise
By Charities Correspondent
It was meant to be a simple puncture repair.
Instead, last week, The One Show delivered a jaw-dropping “One Big Thank-You” to Mike Grisenthwaite— the man who has helped thousands of children living with cancer get back on their bikes.
With a little help from presenter Alexander Armstrong and cycling legend Chris Hoy, the BBC pulled off an emotional surprise that left the charity founder completely speechless.
Grisenthwaite started Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) 20 years ago from his kitchen table.
What began as a deeply personal mission has grown into a nationwide force for good, with four charity bike shops in Cheltenham, London, Manchester and its headquarters in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The shops breathe new life into donated bikes and parts, sell new cycling accessories, and service all types of bikes — with every penny raised going straight back into helping children living with and beyond cancer.
The impact is staggering.
Since launching, CFC has gifted more than 10,000 bikes and specially adapted trikes to children across the UK. The charity has also supplied exercise equipment to children’s hospitals, helping young patients stay active during long and gruelling hospital stays.
For many of these children, a bike means more than freedom — it means rebuilding strength, confidence and mental wellbeing after the fight of their lives.
The mission is personal for Mike. He was inspired to “give back” after using exercise — especially cycling — to power through his own arduous cancer treatment.
During the moving BBC segment (available on BBC iPlayer), Mike believed he was helping Alexander Armstrong fix a puncture. Instead, he was met with heartfelt video messages from families his charity has supported, alongside tributes from Sir Chris Hoy, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
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An emotional Mike had a rare speechless moment and was “blown away” by the recognition.
Two decades on from that kitchen-table idea, the man who set out to help just a handful of children has now changed thousands of lives — and, for once, the spotlight was firmly on him.
For more info on the charity and their activities go to www.cyclistsfc.org.uk
