A GROUP of dads from Thornbury have completed a gruelling 210km bike ride across Italy to help fund cancer research.

Taking almost 11 hours, the team journeyed across Northern Italy, through Pisa, Lucca, Florence and then back, saw the teach climb a mile of elevation without anyone getting a single puncture.

Riding in aid of The Avon Mesothelioma Trust, the team have already passed the £7,000 mark, but having previously set a target of £10,000, they are calling on the community to give them further support.

The trust is based at Southmead Hospital and links closely with clinical teams as well as patient support groups and educational resources for the disease.

The ride’s organiser, consultant respiratory physician Professor Nick Maskell, was one of the riders to don the lycra, joined by friends Mike Chappell, John Watt, Fraser Ebbs, David Matthews, Richard Harper and Matt Scarbrough.

Prof Maskell said: “Mesothelioma, which is cancer of the lining of the lung, is an increasingly common disease, with 2,400 new cases each year in the UK.

“Although more common than skin cancer, also known as melanoma, it receives a fraction the funding. More research is desperately needed to improve survival and reduce symptoms.

“We want to say a big thank you to all who have suponsored and supported us in this bike ride.”

To sponsor the team, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/profnickmaskellamf.