CYCLISTS from all across Swindon and Wiltshire are being encouraged to sign up for the Ride for Radiotherapy that is set to take place in September.

The fundraiser is now officially open to entrants of all ages and abilities and the Brighter Futures team is looking for as many people to take part as possible.

Now in its third year, the epic bike ride has so far raised £53,000 for the appeal. It is a popular event in the Brighter Futures calendar, with last year’s ride seeing more than 100 people take part, raising a grand total of £24,800.

Catherine Newman, Brighter Futures’ new head of fundraising, is hoping that by reaching the half-way point in the appeal, new riders will be encouraged to join in and help raise more than £30,000 this time.

Catherine said: “We know there are a lot of people out there who are part of riding clubs and we want to try to get as many people involved as possible. A lot of staff at the hospital have already shown an interest in taking part, which is great.

“People will receive a medal and certificate for taking part and there will be plenty of rest stops with food and drinks along the way.

“We are all really looking forward to the event and we are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather.”

Riders can choose to take on a 20, 45 or 70 mile route around Wiltshire, starting from the Great Western Hospital.

The 70-mile ride reflects the round trip cancer patients currently have to make to Oxford for radiotherapy treatment.

The Brighter Futures team are currently in celebratory mood after reaching the half way mark in their journey towards the magic £2.9m target.

Speaking at a special event last week, Chloe Thomas, the community and events fundraiser at Brighter Futures, said: “It feels real now and we are all very excited for the coming year.

“Reaching the half way point will make a real difference in terms of momentum going forward and it should be a really successful next 12 months.”

To register for the Ride for Radiotherapy, log on to the Brighter Futures website at www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.

So far £1,500,000 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support. To donate you can send cut out and send in the attached form.