HALE resident Martin Dolce is preparing to cycle 100 miles to support a cancer charity, after his best friend’s son was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Martin will be tackling the Prudential RideLondon on Sunday July 30 for the event’s official charity partner, blood cancer research charity Bloodwise.

Martin, 41, has already raised nearly £1,800 in support of one-year-old Jem Mahood, who was diagnosed with a rare type of childhood blood cancer - juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) - in November 2016, aged just four-months-old.

Jem underwent a stem cell transplant in February at Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital, but his treatment has had recent setbacks.

Martin said: “To date, Jem has had over 160 blood transfusions. He is still in hospital, six months after starting treatment, and was readmitted to intensive care last week.

"It’s fair to say that it’s been much, much more complicated and difficult than expected.

“In an effort to support those who continue to research for a cure and support individuals with blood cancers like leukaemia, Jem's family and friends are doing all that they can to raise awareness and much needed funds for Bloodwise. So I'll don my lycra and pedal myself around this year’s Prudential RideLondon to play my part.”

To support Martin visit www.justgiving.com/martindolce

Jem’s parents, Lucy and Kieran Mahood from Merseyside, added: "We have been overwhelmed by the all the support from our family and friends.

"So many have wanted to raise awareness and fundraise in different ways. We want to thank Martin for riding for Bloodwise, which researches into many forms of blood cancer to help more people like Jem, now and in the future.”

Bloodwise has the largest charity team at this year’s Prudential RideLondon, with 600 cyclists set to take part to raise more than £300,000 for research into blood cancer.

Matt Lawley, head of sports at Bloodwise, added: “The support from people like Martin allows us to continue to fund life-saving research into blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Every penny counts in ensuring we can save the lives of even more patients like young Jem.

“We are so grateful Martin will be joining the Bloodwise team on the start-line, and wish him all the best for the ride.”