Former patient Chris Brookes is gearing up to take part in this year's Manchester 100 bike ride in aid of The Christie, the leading cancer centre where he was treated.

Chris, 60, from Alsager, underwent chemotherapy for non-Hodgkins lymphoma at The Christie between August 2005 and January 2006.

This is the third time the grandfather of three has embarked on the challenging ride which sees participants cycling 100 miles or 100 kms, approximately 60 miles, through Cheshire countryside on Sunday 5th September.

Chris, who is married with four children, said; "I enjoy cycling and I'm going to tackle the 100km route. I've been in remission for four and a half years now. The Christie treated me so well and so professionally, it is a remarkable organisation.

"I complete this bike ride once a year as, for me, it is a very obvious way of saying thank you for the treatment I received and raising awareness of the wonderful work they do every day at The Christie."

The Manchester 100 event takes in a wide sweep of Cheshire, starting and finishing at Wythenshawe Park, Manchester. The route heads through Knutsford to Northwich before heading back through Middlewich for the finish.

Sporting events officer at the Christie charity, Marco Giannini, said; "Chris is a fantastic example of how people can beat cancer and we are so grateful he has once again signed up to take part in this challenging ride.

"He knows first hand just how much of a difference money raised for our charity makes to cancer patients here at The Christie.

"If you fancy taking up this cycling challenge there are still places available and people can register to take part in this ride in aid of our charity until the day before. To sign up visit www.bike-events.co.uk."

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