Former F3 racer, Bev Bond, who drove for Gold Leaf Team Lotus during the late 1960s, has waged a war on cancer and is trying to get men to go to their doctor sooner rather than later when telltale signs appear. Recently afflicted and now in remission, he wants to use motor racing to get across to drivers, spectators and others the importance of seeking medical help at the first sign of problems.
“Men, in particular, are so arrogant and macho that when they feel or see a little lump they think it will be gone in a week or two. They see no reason; in fact they think it feeble to consult any medical professional about the problem. If only they’d swallow some pride, it could save their life! This is why I want to get the message across worldwide using motor racing as a vehicle. Motor racing is a sport full of egotistical and macho men who think it a sign of weakness to seek advice. I also want to raise money for the local hospital, the Dorset Cancer Care Centre, which treated my condition and made such a painful experience very tolerable.”
At a recent race meeting at Silverstone, Bond handed a check for £1,520 over to Dr. Maxine Flubacher, of the Dorset Cancer Care Centre who first diagnosed his cancer, she added to Bond’s words, “Presenting yourself to a doctor at the first sign of a lump, or unusual symptoms can be the difference of a relatively easy cure, or having cancer that can’t be cured. It’s really not brave, or macho to put things off.”
Bond raises awareness and money for the cause by selling stickers kindly designed, and donated, by Alan Raine, Tony Gallagher and Horizon Honda of Poole. If you want to join Bond’s drive he can be contacted at [email protected] The stickers are just £2.50 each, or go to Facebook and join the “Motor Racing Supporting Cancer Awareness in Men” page.
By Mike Jiggle
