DAVID Young set off earlier this week for an expedition to rev up funds for Brighter Futures after being treated for throat cancer.

David was diagnosed just over two years ago and faced the daily journey to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford for radiotherapy.

Luckily he had a motorhome and the hospital authorities agreed to find him a spot where he could park and stay during the week with his wife Anna.

“The treatment and care we received was first class and helped us through a very difficult time.” But he said: “Whilst there we noticed endless streams of Swindon taxis ferrying cancer patients from Swindon, a trip I’m sure they could do without, knowing how ill it can make you feel.”

This experience has inspired him to do something for the £2.9m appeal, which will bring radiotherapy treatment to the Great Western Hospital.

The former landlord of the Victoria pub in Old town is now three days into to his journey travelling from Swindon to Cyprus by motorbike.

The 56-year-old from Old Walcot has made it to Germany so far, and he has already visited France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

David said: “I decided to do this for the Brighter Futures appeal. Swindon needs to have its own radiotherapy unit.

“I’m absolutely loving the adventure so far, it’s very hot so I’m doing as much riding in the morning as I can.

“Every day is a new adventure, and this will be an experience like no other. I have seen some amazing sights along the way.

“I hope people enjoy the trip as much as I’m sure I will.”

He added: “Fingers crossed the bike keeps behaving itself.”

He is currently riding a 25-year-old motorbike on a sponsored ride through Europe bound for a final destination of Limassol in Cyprus where he will sell it to boost his fundraising total even more.

The original route had to be altered slightly as depending on the border he came in through on his bike it could prohibit him from being able to register the vehicle in Cyprus as it would be classed as an illegal border. This would stop him from being able to sell it as planned to add extra funds for the good cause.

So far, he has raised £2,300.

David has eight more countries to visit before the end of his trip, including Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Greece.

However, he has planned it in a way that means he will take each day as it comes - he only booked one night of accommodation prior to setting off and that was for the first day. The rest of the trip has been done without any rooms being booked in advance.

To keep updated with David’s journey over the next couple of weeks, visit the Road to Recovery Facebook page where you can also see daily video logs.

To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/road-to-recovery-swindon-to-cyprus