Helen works with Professor Marion Walker in stroke rehabilitation research at the University of Nottingham. Cycling the Way of the Roses will be tough but worth every aching muscle to raise money for the development of an early-cancer detection blood test for breast, lung and bowel cancers to allow diagnosis at a much earlier stage. Proteins in the blood will be detected to indicate an early-cancer presence while it is far easier to treat, potentially saving thousands of lives.

David works for Healthwatch, leading on Mental Health and has been touched personally by cancer. I wanted to participate because my daughter Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 16. Following treatment including chemotherapy, she’s in remission but requires regular checks. So the cause is very close to my heart.

• New cases of cancer are expected to double by 2030

• Breast and bowel cancer are 2nd and 3rd most common cancers

• First signs of cancer can be picked up as much as five years before a patient presents with any symptoms

• Early detection blood tests could save the lives of nearly half of those who die from breast or bowel cancer

Help us stop cancer in its tracks and pave the way for:

• earlier diagnosis

• greater chance of survival for patients

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.