A STRATTON plumber prostate cancer patient could be the only man in the world to own two Royal Enfield motorcycles, registered on the same day – a century apart.

The two bikes were part of a 32-strong display outside a Swindon supermarket this weekend, organised to raise money for charity Prostate Cancer UK.

And the motorcycles’ owner? Charity fundraiser Colin Myler.

The 56-year-old bought his 225cc 1919 Royal Enfield model 200 in 1983. When he acquired it, the bike was a wreck. Eight years later Colin, whose father had just suffered a heart attack, rode the vintage motorcycle from Lands End to John O’Groats in five days, raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

Next year, the dad-of-four will repeat the feat. He plans to ride the 100-year-old bike, which has just 2.25 horsepower, the opposite direction in a bid to raise thousands for Prostate Cancer UK.

The cause is close to Colin’s heart. In October 2017, he was diagnosed with the condition.

“Like most people, you think to yourself, it’s game over. How much time do you have on this planet? I’ve got four sons. I’ve worked hard all my life. I’ve raised a family, then this happens,” he said.

“I went through various tests, different levels of treatment and I’m better now than I have been for a long time thanks to the treatments and the support I’ve received from the charity.

“Prostate Cancer UK helps you realise you’re not alone. It’s a very treatable disease. It’s survivable and you don’t need to be scared of the word cancer.”

He hopes to raise several thousand pounds for the prostate cancer charity.

On Sunday, he kicked off his fundraising effort with the Royal Enfield bike display, featuring a bike from every decade andbacked by members of the famous brand’s riders’ club and Swindon motorcycle store Bike Treads.It was possibly the first motorcycle display featuring two bikes, built 100 years apart and owned by the same person. On April 19, Colin registered his brand new silver Royal Enfield machine – a century to the day his 1919 bike was registered with the authorities.

Colin said of the attraction of vintage bikes: “You can repair them. You can keep them going. There’s no reason this bike won’t be around in another in another 100 years.”

Michelle Hobbs, community champion at Tesco’s Ocotal Way superstore, hosted the bike display outside the supermarket. “It’s great for all the community to get out today and enjoy themselves on an amazing day.”