MALVERN’S Commonwealth Games gold medal winning mountain biker Liam Killeen is calling on local people to use pedal power to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Liam is the patron of the Macmillan Elgar Bike Ride, a fund-raising event starting and finishing at the University of Worcester on Saturday, June 6.

Participants will have a choice of tackling a family, intermediate or advanced ride, all designed by Liam himself.

Liam, who also competed at the Beijing Olympics last year, said: “I know the importance of skilled care from my own experience of cancer among my family and friends, and Macmillan nurses are a precious resource.

“Cancer must touch every family in some form these days. Collaboration between the NHS and organisations like Macmillan is essential for the effective treatment and support of individuals and their families.”

The Bike Ride is being sponsored by Malvern company QinetiQ. Macmillan organiser Kelly Edwards said: “We are very grateful for QinetiQ’s continued support as our main sponsor, and we are looking forward to giving cyclists a great day out in our beautiful Worcestershire countryside while they raise funds to help us to support people living with cancer”.

The three routes on offer are 24, 40 and 60 miles long and all three will be marshalled and signposted, with refreshments provided along the way.

Back on Track bikes will be offering free bike checks at the starting line and Malvern and Upton-based osteopaths David Davies and Bev White will be offering free massage for aching legs at the finish line.

For more information or an entry form visit macmillan.org.uk/walkitbikeitrunit, call 01527 579575 or email elgarbikeride@macmillan.org.uk The closing date for entries is June 1.