A HAMPSHIRE man who has raised more than £40,000 for charity is calling on people to join a cycling challenge to help find a cure for brain tumours.

Simon Tier, 53, from Fareham, is organising the fourth annual Brain Tumour Research Randonnee which will take place around the Isle of Wight on Sunday July 18. He was motivated to raise funds for the charity having lost four friends to the disease in five years.

He said: “It’s not until someone close to you is diagnosed with a brain tumour that you realise what a devastating and indiscriminate disease this is. It is awful. I had no idea that brain tumours killed more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

“After learning that, historically, just 1 per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease, I was determined to do what I could to help make a difference.

Daily Echo:

“I organised the first Brain Tumour Research Randonnee in 2017 and, apart from last year when the event had to be cancelled, it has run annually and grown steadily. We’re trying to get as many people from different clubs and areas, as well as on the Isle of Wight, involved as possible this year.”

The Randonnee will see cyclists ride a 68-mile route, climbing 4,000ft and taking in multiple beauty spots around the Isle of Wight. Riders looking for a tougher challenge can sign up to the Ultra, circling the island both clockwise and anticlockwise. New for 2021, there is a shorter challenge route of just over 40 miles and less than 3,000ft of climbing, ideal for those undertaking their first distance challenge.

The registration fee to take part is £25 and a sponsorship target of £100 is suggested.

Visit the British Cycling website for details.