A CANCER scare has prompted a former Commonwealth Games triathlete to ride across France and Spain to raise funds for equipment to help others.

Dave Savage, 38, is aiming to raise £4,000 for a cancer cell scanning machine after being inspired by people with the disease he met at Southampton General Hospital when he was being treated for suspected gall bladder cancer.

Mr Savage was given the all clear but wanted to do something for the courageous people he had met. “Last year was a tough time but I am happy to have come through it,” he said. “Now I am determined to put something back in and by doing something I enjoy I feel like I am not just doing something positive for people in the future who may need diagnosis, but also celebrating my outcome.

“The cancer patients I met amazed me. Their level of courage, the hardships they endured and the responsibility of the staff, it was truly inspiring. It also helped me come to terms with my experiences,” said Mr Savage.

He set off on June 3 to begin a 17-day cycle from St Malo in France to Santander in Spain.

A former triathlete, he competed in the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games and is ready for the gruelling 1,000-mile ride, but his preparation has not been without its hitches – Mr Savage has suffered with bronchitis, followed by a minor tear in his calf muscle.

Marin Cycles UK is sponsoring Mr Savage and has provided him with a Lombard cycle for the ride.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/dave-savage.