Just 12 months ago, John Griffiths was spending a lot of his time being treated for cancer at Weston General Hospital, but next week he will be riding through the Alps for charity.

The 58-year-old from Milton is taking on a huge cycling challenge to thank those who did so much for him in his hour of need last year.

John will on September 7 set off from Geneva in the Route de Grandes Alpes.

He will ride 435 miles over seven days, through the Swiss and French mountains until he arrives in the south of France and the city of Nice.

John planned to ride in the event last year, until his health deteriorated.

He added: “I was planning to do this ride in 2017, but at the start of that year I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and spent most of 2017 undergoing chemotherapy at the oncology ward at Weston General Hospital.

“Thanks to the care, support and ongoing hormone treatment I have received from the team at Weston General Hospital my cancer is now under control, and since the start of the year I’ve been steadily increasing my training in anticipation of this challenge.

“I will be riding the Routes des Grandes Alpes with three friends, and while the ride itself is not a charity ride I thought I’d take the opportunity to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Research.

“The drugs which are keeping me alive were developed through research funded by public donations, and research continues to find a cure for this terrible disease.”

During his cycling challenge, John will climb more than 52,500ft and take on a number of passes which Tour de France competitors have battled in the past. These include the Col de Iliseran, Col du Galibier and Col d’Izoard.

To donate money, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/John-Griffiths19