Bikers trek to island

8:46am Thursday 15th June 2006

CYCLISTS Dave Wallis, Matthew Jenkins, Mark Johnson and Mark Hancock are to cycle 200 miles in just three days in aid of The Prostate Cancer Charity.

Three of the cyclists Mr Wallis, 47, of Cotswold Close, Calne; Mr Johnson, 47, of Bramble Drive, Chippenham and Mr Jenkins, 34, of The Butts, Chippenham will set off from Calne to Lymington on July 14 They will meet Mr Hancock, 45, of Dando Drive, Marlborough, on the way.

They plan to reach the Isle of Wight's most southerly point on Saturday before returning to Wiltshire on Sunday.

The team is hoping to raise £1,000 for the charity. Mr Wallis said: "Breast cancer is so much in the public eye and we thought it would be good to give a prostate cancer charity some support."

Mr Johnson, who completed the route solo last year, said: "I managed to get the guys to agree long before they realised the World Cup was on.

"But if I can miss my 22nd wedding anniversary and escape unscathed, they can miss a few matches for charity."

Swindon Town supporter Mr Wallis decided to get on his bike at the 2002 World Cup final. He said: "I had to persuade the others not to make the trip on the World Cup final day this year.

"I've been riding, and falling off, my bike for four years now and this trip will either be the making of us or the death."

Mr Johnson and Mr Wallis both work for Exceptions, an electronics assembly plant at Calne's Porte Marsh Industrial Estate and Mr Jenkins is a former colleague.