TWO Spire doctors are swapping surgery for cycling as they take part in a marathon challenge raising cash for Macmillan.

Former Great Britain Paralympic athlete Dr Gary Williams and consultant anaesthetist Dr Andrew Morrison will be covering 75 miles on Saturday alongside the company’s CEO Rob Roger during his summer of cycle rides.

The group hope to raise valuable funds pedalling from Spire Cheshire to St Georges Park in Burton-upon-Trent via Spire regency in Macclesfield.

Dr Andy Morrison said his colleagues volunteered him to join in after hearing he had a passion for cycling.

The 62-year-old, from Appleton, said he thinks the challenge is ‘going to hurt’ but he is looking forward to helping raise cash for a worthwhile cause.

The former consultant at Warrington Hospital added: “My younger sister died of cancer so it’s a very pertinent charity for me and I’ve come across a lot of patients who have been affected in my work.

“I’m always looking for sponsors and I’ve been encouraged by the number of people who have supported us so far.”

Dr Gary Williams is no stranger to spending hours in the saddle having previously competed in road races representing team GB at the Barcelona and Athens paralympics.

The 46-year-old consultant radiologist, who lost his right arm aged 14 due to bone cancer, should find training for this weekend’s event much easier having previously juggled his Paralympic training around medical school.

Dr Williams, who is thought to be the only one-armed radiologist in the country, added: “I tend to get out on the bike once every week now but one of the reasons I had to stop was training to that level was not compatible with exams and training to be a junior doctor.

“I’m looking forward to the day and it’s a nice thing to support.”

To donate, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=Spire_Healthcare_Macmillan&pageUrl=3&isTeam=true