The riders are all medics and they’re planning to visit six South West hospitals to say thanks to the NHS, as well as raising awareness about bowel cancer.
Chairman of the Bowel Cancer West (BCW) charity and event organiser is leading colorectal surgeon Mark Coleman.
He said: “The NHS has been through unimaginable times over the last year. All our hospitals and health professionals have shown remarkable resilience in dealing with the effects of the Covid pandemic.
“We at Bowel Cancer West want to show our immense gratitude to all who have played a role. After the pandemic we also want to make sure our patients with bowel cancer get prompt and effective care.”
Each year more than 40,000 men and women are diagnosed with bowel cancer. It is the UK’s second highest cause of cancer mortality, largely because people aren’t aware of, or will ignore symptoms, or they remain too shy to seek advice.
BCW chief executive Jon Gripton said: “Bowel Cancer West was founded to improve survival rates of people with bowel cancer in the South West.
“Currently, one in three people in the west country know someone with bowel cancer and the disease has a dangerously low profile. Now that the pandemic pressure is off the NHS, it’s vital people come forward if they have health concerns.”
People can support the BCW Cycle Ride of Thanks, by visiting www.justgiving.com/bowelcancerwest
And you can look out for the riders at Launceston Hospital (3pm), Liskeard Hospital (4.45pm) and Saltash St Barnabas Hospital (6.30pm) before they complete their ride at Derriford in Plymouth.