Hampshire's PLANETS Cancer Charity has raised more than £30k to fund its upcoming 100-mile cycling challenge on June 22.

The ‘Dawn to Dusk’ event, featuring 54 participants, has nearly reached two-thirds of its £50k target.

The fundraising endeavour starts in Winchester and concludes in East Huntspill, Somerset. The day culminates in a celebratory function at a unique farm fitted with lodges, glamping pods and yurts.

Participants include doctors, nurses, patients, and supporters of the charity, many from its co-founder, Dr Brian Stedman's medical team.

Among the cyclists are consultant interventional radiologist Dr Stedman and consultant hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon Arjun Takhar who has previously operated on several patients participating in the event.

Other participants are colleagues from University Hospital Southampton. Celebrity Chef Lesley Waters, a PLANETS patron, with her husband and son completing the challenge too, awaits at the finish line.

In operation since 2011, PLANETS has raised more than £2 million, establishing a network of patient support groups across the south coast and funding the UK’s first mobile electron beam radiotherapy machine.

The charity focuses on patients with pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal and neuroendocrine cancer, organising patient support groups and other initiatives while investing in innovative treatments and research.

Some patients participating in the cycle challenge include 56-year-old Andy Croce from Poole and 67-year-old Jane Clouting from the New Forest.

Mr Takhar removed 15 lesions from Mr Croce's liver and part of his colon this year, while Mrs Clouting had bowel cancer surgery in 2020.

In addition to the raised funds, local businesses and organisations have provided vital support.

Firms such as Bayview Developments and Rawlins Davy Reeves: Solicitors, both based in Poole, have sponsored the cyclists' jerseys.

Boston Scientific, a medical device company, along with iPRO Hydrate, supplying drinks for the ride and numerous Hampshire and Dorset businesses, have backed the event by providing fuel stations, support vans and completion goodie bags for the cyclists.

Mr Croce said: "I am participating in the PLANETS charity cycle to help raise much-needed funds for all the amazing things they do and to support other patients.

"I also love a challenge and it is a good reason to get fitter and take up a new hobby. I've met so many lovely people both in the medical profession and involved with the charity who have a positive outlook and are inspirational."