Over a hundred cyclists tackled the gruelling hills of Wiltshire on routes of up to 70 miles to raise money for a new radiotherapy centre in Swindon.

Around £20,000 was expected to be raised through the Ride4Radiotherapy event, with people recently diagnosed with cancer and their families among those fundraising for the charity Brighter Futures by cycling the routes. The longest started and ended at Great Western Hospital, cycling well into Berkshire in between.

Chloe Thomas, the fundraising manager who organised the event, said: “We have had over 100 riders taking part today. They have ranged in distance from 20 miles, to 46 miles or 70 miles, all raising money for the radiotherapy appeal.

“People took part in memory, because they want to complete a new challenge or just because they are passionate about getting the centre here in Swindon.”

The event has raised £55,000 for the appeal over the last two years, and more riders were brought into the fold this year with children admitted for the first time – the quickest completed the 20-mile route in under two hours.

Asked what motivated people to support the cause, Chloe said: “It’s been talked about for so long, the drive to Oxford is never nice.

“Cancer touches so many people now and having that diagnosis alone is hard enough, without having to think of the financial side. It just means people can get more quality time with their families.”

She was also full of praise for the organisers of the Swindon Half Marathon, who donated water, jelly babies and performance gels to the riders.

Among those taking part was plasterer Dave Carr, 61, who was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney last December.

He also had other hurdles to overcome in the run-up to the day. He said: “We had a burglary in the house Tuesday before last and we had bikes, iPads, phones and cameras stolen – about £3,000-worth.

“I had signed up to do this so I had to go out and buy a new bike. I hopefully raised about £600 today.”

Orthogeriatrician Sarah Woods, 45, who works at Great Western Hospital, was diagnosed with breast cancer last July. She had her radiotherapy in Cheltenham, and chemotherapy and care in Swindon.

She said: “It was excellent care, and I just want to do something to thank them. It is so important to have radiotherapy close to home, it is really exhausting, I was surprised how tiring it was.

“We have raised about £670 on my Just Giving page, with a few pledges still to go.”

For more details on Brighter Futures, visit: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.