A PENSIONER is to take part in a sponsored bike ride to aid a cancer charity, in gratitude for treatment he received as a victim of the disease.

In 2005, Roger Gibson, of Dringhouses, York, was looking forward to retirement after 50 years working in the construction industry.

It was in November of that year, just a few weeks before his 65th birthday, that Roger was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the planned retirement was put on hold while Roger tried to come to terms with the news.

Roger began an intensive course of treatment at Cookridge Hospital in Leeds and at York Hospital, and said he was grateful to be met by so many supportive people.

"I can't praise the doctors, nurses and radiotherapists at Cookridge and York Hospital enough - I had a great team who were very supportive," he said.

After attending local cancer support meetings in York, Roger decided to help fellow sufferers of the disease by helping support the Cancer Research UK fundraising team.

Earlier this year he took part in a five-mile charity walk at Flamborough Head for Marie Curie Cancer Care, and he is now planning to lend his support to the Wetherby Cycle Ride in aid of Cancer Research.

"I got a lot of benefit from attending local cancer support meetings and getting the opportunity to speak to other people who are living with cancer, some who have had the disease for a long time and others who are just coming to terms with their diagnosis," Roger, 67, said.

"I am now enjoying my retirement and in between gardening, playing golf, and snooker and planning holidays I like to offer my support to the Cancer Research Team.

"After suffering from cancer myself, I feel it is important to lend my support and to show my thanks for the help I have received during my treatment."

The Wetherby Cycle Ride, which is open to cyclists of all abilities, starts at 10.30am on Sunday, June 8, from Hallfield Lane, Wetherby.

Cyclists can choose to participate in one of two routes- either a 20 or 30-mile circuit.

It is open to adults and children from the age of 12 years. The entry fees are £7 for adults, £3.50 for children and £17 for families (maximum four people).

Registration and sponsorship forms can be obtained from the website www.wetherbycycleride.org.uk or by phoning Ann Newton on 01937 841470, mobile 07751486729 or by emailing herat info@wetherbycycleride.org.uk

Cyclesense of Tadcaster is sponsoring the Wetherby Cycle Ride, and all money raised goes to Cancer Research UK.