A CANCER patient is readying himself for a 100-mile cycle challenge to say thank you to the hospital where he was treated.

Chris Wakefield, from Lymm, had a successful stem cell transplant at The Christie in Manchester in 2012.

Next month he will take on the Manchester 100 bike ride.

The retired chemical engineer from Lymm has always been a keen cyclist having completed John O’Groats to Lands End in nine days in 2010. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April 2012 after suffering severe back pain on holiday in Italy.

Chris, who is married to Joan, said; “I underwent my chemotherapy first at Wythenshawe Hospital and was then referred to The Christie.

“My stem cells were harvested and I was then admitted as an inpatient in November 2012 for a high dose of chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.

“The team on the haematology and transplant unit at The Christie were absolutely brilliant. All the nurses were super and very understanding.

“After 17 days I was deemed well enough to go home as my blood count was going in the right direction.”

Chris was readmitted to The Christie on Christmas Day morning in 2012 after suffering with an infection.

Following treatment he was well enough to go home the same day and enjoy Christmas dinner with his family.

Chris said: “Almost exactly a year after beginning treatment, I began cycling again in September.

“The bike ride will be a challenge but not insurmountable I hope.

“It was my daughter Tamsin’s idea, who is doing the ride along with her husband for The Christie.

“They’re not especially keen cyclists and I hadn’t dreamt of doing this, but afterwards I thought why not and signed up.”

The Christie is the official charity for the Manchester 100 Bike Ride which takes place on August 31.

Chris’ consultant at The Christie, Dr Jim Cavet, said; “I’m delighted to see Chris back cycling and feeling fit and well enough to take on an event of this magnitude.

“Having taken part in the Manchester 100 bike ride myself for the past three years, I know it’s no small undertaking. The best of luck to Chris and his team.”

* To donate to Chris’ fund visit justgiving.com/Christopher-Wakefield1