A 64-YEAR-old cyclist, who has been receiving pioneering cancer treatment, is taking on an ascent equivalent to the height of Everest to say thank you to those who have helped him.

Roger Calow, from Broad Oak in south Herefordshire, was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2004, which later spread to his lymph system and bloodstream.

Since 2011 he has been receiving groundbreaking treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

And although he has faced further challenges- he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in February- Mr Calow has decided to take on a bike ride, which will see him climb 8,848 metres.

Mr Calow said: "When I had the idea I was full of energy and full of steroids [part of his cancer treatment] so I could imagine doing it because I had the energy of 20 of me now.

"I am not on steroids now and I am beginning to think, what a ridiculous idea."

The popular cycling challenge called Everesting involves repeatedly riding uphill until the height of Everest is reached.

Mr Calow will do this up Bealach Na Ba in Wester Ross, Scotland from June 8 to 12, equalling 15 ascents.

He wants to raise £8,848, a pound for every metre of Everest, for Macmillan Cancer Support and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Fighting Skin Cancer Fund.

Mr Calow was on a drug trial from 2012 to 2014. Since that stopped working he has been on a course of treatment that helps the immune system fight the cancer and has just started a new and similar drug that is given as a drip every three weeks.

To add to this, within the last two months he has also been treated with laser surgery for a brain tumour, which is now reducing.

Mr Calow, who has a son and grandson, said: "The treatment I have had since 2012 has been cutting edge. I am not a surfer but it is like I am on that cutting edge of the wave.

"It is really exciting being on drug trials as you feel as though you are contributing towards the treatment of cancer, as well as benefiting from it.

"The drug trial actually kept tumours at bay for two years.

"The doctors and nurses involved in that have been incredible. It is almost worth having cancer to experience all of this, but not quite.”

To sponsor Mr Calow click here