CANCER survivor and Bridport postman Tom Pattinson-Smith is getting on his bike to tackle a 60-mile charity ride.

He will join other survivors from Dorset and the south west in this year’s Rotary Dorset Bike ride.

Cancer Research UK will receive all the money raised.

Three years ago, Mr Pattinson Smith, now 37, was diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer which affects immune cells known as T-cells and makes them grow out of control.

Since recovering, he has successfully participated in mountain bike endurance rides.

Mr Pattinson-Smith said: “Having survived cancer and continuing to improve health wise, I wanted to do my bit for another year to raise money for research into curing cancer.”

The sponsored bike ride on Sunday, September 1 is being organised by Wareham Rotary Club and will start from the Bovington Tank Museum, in Wareham.

Last year’s event was a huge success raised £20,000 for Cancer Research UK and organisers are hoping they can raise over £30,000 this year.

David King, of Wareham Rotary Club, said: “We have decided to make this fundraising event an annual ride for research, so that people like Tom can survive cancer.

“This year is slightly different to last year. There are now 10, 20, 30, 50 and 60-mile routes so people can have a choice of a distance they feel most comfortable with.

“There is also an optional off-road mountain bike section through Wareham Forest on the longer routes.

“We have had 200 applications already which is far better than the number we had at this stage last year, and we are expecting between 500-600 riders on the day.”

The entry fee is £13 for adults and £6 for children. There are prizes being handed out to cyclists by Cancer Research UK if they raise a certain amount of money.

Cancer Research UK’s local fundraising manager for Dorset, Shelley Davies, said: “We are delighted that Tom is constantly improving with his health and is returning for his second year to attempt to raise money.

“Wareham Rotary Club has been working even harder on preparing this year’s ride and Tom and the other riders are raising sponsorship whilst training.

“We’re sure they’re going to have an amazing experience. We can’t thank them enough for all their support and want to wish them the very best on the day.”

For details on the ride or to enter visit dorset-bike-ride.co.uk. For more information about Cancer Research UK visit cancerresearch. org.uk or call 08701 602040.