SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: REGULARS at the Cricketers Arms will be getting into the saddle for our Macmillan appeal this weekend.

Nine members of the pub's regular cycle team are taking part in the Macmillan Mountain Bike Ride on Sunday.

The fundraisers have been spurred into action by Lynda Mills, a keen cyclist who runs the Emlyn Square pub.

Some of the cyclists have lost loved ones to cancer, and are taking part in the ride in their memory.

Lynda's partner, Susan Chubb, who is taking part, lost her mother to breast cancer 20 years ago. She was cared for by Macmil-lan nurses before she died.

Three other riders lost close ones to cancer.

Lynda is well aware of the important role Macmil-lan nurses play in caring and supporting cancer patients.

As a home care worker, Lynda worked closely with Macmillan nurses.

She said: "There's no doubt about it, they do a fantastic job. I would urge other people to join in."

The team is hoping to raise £500 by completing the ride, which starts at 10am at the Croft Sports Centre in Marlborough Road, Swindon.

Organiser Jill Green-away, of Macmillan's Swindon fundraising branch, is hoping for a last minute rush of entries.

One hundred people have so far signed up for the ride 40 fewer than last year.

The event usually raises £4,000.

Jill said: "People often enter at the last minute. People who have just arrived back from their half term holidays have been getting their application forms in.

"It's fantastic that the team from the Cricketers have entered, but it would be nice for some more teams to sign up.

"It's a great ride, and takes in the beautiful Ridgeway."

Cyclists can choose from a 10, 15 or 25 mile route.

Besides raising money for the appeal, fundraisers will be treated to breathtaking views of the Marl-borough Downs from the ancient Ridgeway.

Money raised through sponsorship will help the Evening Advertiser reach its target of raising £600,000 for Macmillan in three years.

The event is not a race, and participants can enjoy a leisurely ride if they wish.

Up until Thursday it costs £4 to enter for adults to enter, while children accompanied by an adult pay £2, but after that it is £10 on the day.

The cyclist who raises the most money will get a new mountain bike donated by Mitchell's Cycles of Swindon.

The team with the most members who cross the finish line will win the Macmillan Shield.

For an entry form, call Jill Greenaway on 521630 or Bruce Warr on 784707. Alternatively, visit the bike ride website at www.

castlesbikeride.co. uk

To make a donation to the appeal online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.