A cancer survivor will cycle from Bristol to Cornwall to raise money for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).

Rob Berry, a 56-year-old quantity surveyor, is preparing to ride for CHSW's Ride for Precious Lives event for the sixth time.

This comes just weeks after he completed a 60-mile coastal hike raising thousands of pounds for CHSW, a charity he was introduced to at a charity coffee morning at work.

Mr Berry said: "That was when I met Kylie (CHSW area fundraiser Kylie Gallagher) and heard all about the work of Children’s Hospice South West."

Inspired, he signed up for his first fundraising ride in 2018 and became a regular participant, raising over £2,000 each year.

He continued: "I tell people that the Ride for Precious Lives is the best three days you will ever spend on a bike."

(Image: CHSW)

Mr Berry's cancer journey began at 22, when cysts on his testicles were discovered.

Despite an initial scare and a hospital stay due to an infection after surgery, treatment was successful.

The 56-year-old explained: "I then developed an infection in the wound and ended up back in hospital.

"The next thing they told me was that the cancer had spread to my lungs."

Determined, he underwent radiotherapy and overcame the illness.

His charitable impulses were galvanised by a friendship with a man named Ian, a brain tumour patient who inspired him.

That led to nominations for both men as torchbearers for the London 2012 Olympics.

(Image: CHSW)

Despite later developing Crohn’s Disease which lead to him stopping work in 2014, Mr Berry resumed charity work in 2015, after learning to manage his condition.

He said: "Fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West has changed my life.

"It gave me a goal and something to aim for every year knowing what I achieve will help such an incredible organisation to continue its vital work."

The Ride for Precious Lives event from July 12 to 14 will see over 100 cyclists covering more than 200 miles and visiting all three CHSW hospices, journeying from Bristol to St Austell.

CHSW area fundraiser Amanda Leonard said: "We cannot thank Rob enough for his dedication and support to the charity year on year, not only raising vital funds but helping us spread the word about our events and helping to recruit others to take part."

For more information about the Children's Hospice South West, visit the charity's website via www.chsw.org.uk.