SWINDON’S cancer-surviving bishop is backing a charity cycle to raise money for a radiotherapy centre in the town.

Brighter Futures, the charity arm of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has organised a Ride for Radiotherapy fundraising event in aid of the group’s £2.9 million fundraising bid for a centre at the hospital.

And the Bishop of Swindon, Lee Rayfield, is encouraging cyclists to saddle up for bike rides through scenic Wiltshire. The Ride for Radiotherapy, on Sunday, September 20, will offer cyclists a 30-mile, 70-mile or 100-mile route, with Bishop Lee, who underwent chemotherapy at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital (GWH) and then radiotherapy at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital 18 months ago to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma, tackling the 70-mile route.

Bishop Lee, a keen cyclist who rides at least 35 miles a week, said: “The Radiotherapy Appeal is a fantastic cause and what it will buy will greatly help the people of Swindon and Wiltshire.

“I am really looking forward to taking part in Ride for Radiotherapy – it’s such a great idea and an opportunity for riders to cycle through the beautiful countryside while raising money for Brighter Futures.”

The appeal is part of a plan to bring radiotherapy treatment to GWH, so local cancer patients do not have to travel to Oxford for treatment, as many do now. Money raised would help buy two linear accelerators, the equipment which delivers radiotherapy. The 70-mile bike ride is the same distance a patient going to Oxford from Swindon has to cover daily for radiotherapy treatment.

The journey to Oxford which many Wiltshire cancer patients currently undertake on a daily basis for up to seven weeks is one that Bishop Lee knows only too well.

“I only had to go for two weeks for my treatment and was fortunate enough to be able to drive myself mostly,” said Bishop Lee, 59.

“I know others have had to rely on friends, family or NHS transport to get themselves to Oxford for weeks on end, having to go to enormous lengths to receive treatment.

“The appeal has got off to a strong start and has already raised more than £100,000 and I really hope the £2.9m target can be achieved.”

After successfully completing treatment for cancer last year, Bishop Lee, a member of the Swindon Road Club, raised £13,000 for community work in Uganda by riding in 13 days from John O’Groats to Land’s End – a 959-mile journey.

Jennifer Green, Brighter Futures’ head of fundraising, said: “We have organised three routes – 30 miles, 70 miles and 100 miles – so there’s something for everyone.“Places are limited so get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

People can register online at entrycentral.com/rideforradiotherapy or by calling 01793 605631 or emailing fundraising@gwh.nhs.uk. See brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk, follow @BF_NHS on Twitter or like the Facebook page, Brighter Futures GWH.