SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: CYCLISTS are preparing to oil up their bike chains and saddle up for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

The ninth-ever Castles Mountain Bike Ride is all set to raise thousands of pounds for the Macmillan Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Last year's event raised around £8,300 and attracted 300 riders but organisers of the ride, which is supported by the Evening Advertiser, are already looking ahead to beat that total.

The event takes place on Sunday, June 5.

Already, 100 riders have already signed up.

Organiser Jill Greenaway said that they usually get another 100 entrants turn up on the day.

Those who raise the most sponsorship money are in with a chance of winning a new bicycle donated by Swindon's Mitchells Cycles.

There are three different courses for riders with distances ranging from 10 miles in length to 25.

The ride starts at the Croft Sports Centre, near the Marriott Hotel in Old Town, Swindon.

The routes, which are slightly different this year for the 25-mile ride, take riders on a scenic tour of the northern end of the Marlborough Downs, across the ancient path of the Ridgeway passing Barbury Castle.

But it won't all be a nice easy ride looking at the scenery as parts are designed to be challenging.

Jill said: "It's a nice ride and many local cyclists use it to meet up with old friends.

"It's a social event but there are some hills in it, which should make it challenging for some riders."

"We are pleased with how many people have entered the ride so far but we need people to get sponsored, so we can raise more money for Macmillan and the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

According to Jill, most people take part in the 25-mile ride.

Entry for the event is £5 in advance, and accompanied children under 16 cost £2 with entries on the day costing £10.

The closing date for entries is Thursday June 2.

The minimum age is 12, and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information visit the bike ride's website at: www.castlesbikeride.co.uk or telephone 01793 521630.

l Last week we told how more than £100,000 had rolled into the fundraising account in two months.

The grand total now stands at just over £700,000 taking us ever closer to the magic £1 million.

So far donations have funded specialist nurses for the Great Western Hospital.

The appeal is also hoping to provide a training post for a Macmillan specialist breast care cancer nurse and a training post for another nurse specialising in gastrointestinal cancer.

Money raised is also going to provide a Macmillan clinical psychologist who will specialise in cancer and pallia- tive care.

For more information about the Swindon Cancer Appeal call the appeal office on 01793 432252 or 01793 432253.

Anthony Osborne