In the saddle for appeal event

Tomorrow, more than 200 people will take to some of England's oldest roads to raise cash for our Swindon Cancer Appeal.

And their sponsorship money will add thousands of pounds to the total, which already stands at £104,564.

Organiser Jill Greenaway, of Brecon Close, in the Lawns, is delighted with this year's number of entrants, but it is still not too late to take part.

Jill, vice-chairwoman for Macmillan's Swindon branch committee, said: "It has been going so well and people were still sending in their entry forms last week. It's a fun and sociable event. I won't actually be taking part as I push paper, not pedals, but I'll be there supporting everyone on their way."

Bruce and Cherry Warr, of Stainswick Lane, Shrivenham, are no strangers to the ride, after taking up cycling when they turned 50.

Cherry, 61, said: "I decided we needed more exercise and bought us a bike each for our birthdays.

"Now Bruce and I go out for 15 or 20-mile cycles twice a week. It's fantastic up on the Ridgeway."

Cherry, who is currently suffering from a sore throat, added: "Bad throat or not I'll be there on Sunday. I hope lots more people turn up on the day too."

Bruce helped organise, and also took part in, the first Mountain Bike Ride more than a decade ago.

"I was working at Skurrays Vauxhall at the time and I was approached to see if we wanted to sponsor the ride," he said. "I thought it was a great idea. Back then it used to be a 30-mile cycle.

"I really enjoy cycling and am keeping my fingers crossed the weather's nice so more people will turn up on the day."

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano is also hoping the sun will be shine.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to meeting all the cyclists when they register. I'm excited and delighted that so many people are taking part this year. It can only be good news for the appeal and I'd like to thank everyone who has generously sponsored the entrants."

Cyclists will leave Croft Sports Centre, in Marlborough Lane, at 10am and head towards the Ridgeway, which lies four miles to the south. The route follows the Ridgeway in a loop of the Downs.

The routes will be clearly marked and marshals will be on hand to guide the way at strategic points.

Participants should take a puncture repair kit and pump, and wear suitable clothing. If you have a helmet, wear it.

The 6,000-year-old Ridgeway track runs from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. It is thought to be the oldest road in Europe.

Meanwhile, residents in Bourton were putting the finishing touches to a variety of stalls ahead of their village festival tomorrow.

The bi-annual event raises money for village amenities, but this year residents have chosen to donate some of the takings to the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Clog dancers, Morris men, a rock band, and a garden party at The Manse, next to the village hall, are just some of the events planned. The fun runs from 12.30pm.

For more details on the bike ride call Jill Greenaway on 01793 521630 or Bruce Warr on 01793 784707.

To make a donation online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.

Coming up

JUNE 14-JULY 14: Take part in four rounds of golf in one day as part of the Longest Day Challenge.

July 11-13: Hike through the he-artland of the Peak District climbing 13 peaks in two days in the Peak District Challenge.

JULY 19-27: Fundraisers taking part in the Iceland Hiking Challenge will trek through wild mountainous landscapes.

JULY 25: Motor sports enthusiasts can help our appeal by taking part in a track event at Hullavi-ngton Airfield near Malmesbury. Bring your own cars.

AUGUST 3: Singers from the Kentwood Choir are staging a concert at the Hilton Hotel, Swindon. Tickets go on sale in June.

SEPTEMBER 6-7: The Brighton Triathlon consists of swimming, cycling and running.

SEPTEMBER 14: Run the Flora Light Challenge for Women in Hyde Park.

SEPTEMBER 21: Enter the Great North Run a half marathon in Newcastle upon Tyne.