A HOSPITAL radiographer who has received treatment for a rare form of leukaemia undertook a coast-to-coast charity cycle challenge with friends and colleagues.

Kevin Taylor, who works at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, aimed to raise at least £2,500 for UK charity Bloodwise that offers support to anyone affected by leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood cancer related disorders.

He has now beaten that target, having raised £2,670 via a JustGiving online page.

Mr Taylor, who already cycles ten miles a day as part of his commute to work, recently completed his treatment for Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APL) – a form of cancer that affects blood-producing cells in the bone marrow.

He undertook the 140 mile ride from Whitehaven to Sunderland over the August Bank Holiday weekend, part of a team of 16 riders, including staff from James Cook.

Mr Taylor was diagnosed with the disease in December 2015 and a day and-a-half later began a combination of chemotherapy and other drugs.

He said: “I always wanted to do something for Bloodwise and I would like to thank all the riders for coming along and supporting the charity.

“I’d also like to thank everyone who has already supported our cause.”

Mr Taylor’s colleague, Kevin Busby, said: “[Everyone] did brilliantly in finishing the race.

"We all worked as a team to help each other along. There were a few tears at the end as friends and family were waiting at the finish line.”