Wilmington native completes cross-country bike ride to support colorectal cancer research

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — After nearly two months on the road and more than 4,000 miles in the saddle, Wilmington native John Hewlett West celebrated more than the Fourth of July this weekend. On Sunday, July 5th, he celebrated the completion of a cross-country bicycle ride to raise awareness and money for colorectal cancer research.

West, who goes by JH, arrived at Wrightsville Beach on Sunday after riding from Oregon, completing a journey that started on May 7th, spanned 12 states before ending at the Atlantic Ocean.

“It meant the world,” West said. “I’ve been thinking about this moment for a good stretch now. Getting to see my family, hug my parents and brother and see my grandparents and give them a big old hug.”

West, who is preparing to begin his second year at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Charlotte, said the ride was inspired by his grandfather’s battle with colon cancer.

“I’m riding in honor of my granddad. He was diagnosed with colon cancer a couple years ago,” West said during a stop in Charlotte last week. “As I was putting the trip together, I wanted to involve something that felt like I was doing the trip for more than just myself.”

Throughout the ride, West raised more than $3,500 for the National Initiative End Colon Cancer’s Coast to Coast campaign, combining his passion for cycling with a cause that has deeply affected his family.

The journey was not one he completed alone. Friends joined him for portions of the ride before all finishing together in Wrightsville Beach.

“I can’t speak enough of how just appreciative I am of them taking on the challenge and joining for the trip,” West said. “Sebby, Jerry and Ben really just blew my mind how awesome they were on the bike, how fun it was to be out there and share this adventure.”

Among those waiting to greet West at the finish line was his grandfather, Eddie West Jr, who is also battling brain cancer.

“It is very heartwarming, very touching and it means a lot to all of us in the family,” Eddie West Jr. said. “We’re proud of what he and Jerry and Bob have done and given their time to make a difference.”

You can donate to support West here, and you can learn more about his journey here.