TWO doctors from Wellington Medical Centre are set to cycle 100 miles to raise vital funds for two national charities.

Dr Mike Michaels and Dr Andy Moss will be riding in next weekend’s (August 2) Prudential Ride London - Surrey 100, raising vital funds for Parkinson’s UK and Macmillan Cancer support.

The cycle route goes from the Olympic Park in East London, through the City of London into Surrey and back through Central London, past the usual landmarks and finishing on The Mall.

It largely follows the Olympic 2012 road race route and includes the famous climbs of Box Hill and Leith Hill.

Mike’s father in law has advancing Parkinson’s disease with all the escalating difficulties that that entails - while Andy’s mother has had bowel cancer treatment and Macmillan pay for some of the nursing team that have cared for her over the last 12 months.

Mike said: “Shortly after retiring from a successful career as a Consultant radiotherapist and oncologist my highly intelligent father-in-law Chris was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, just medication which helps to reduce the symptoms.

“But as time goes on the drugs don't work as well and to add insult to injury, people with Parkinson's often develop a form of dementia.

“Of course, there are also the better known problems mobility disorders and increasing debility.

“Swallowing and eating gets difficult and sufferers become frailer and weaker.

“With further funding researchers may be able to eventually find a cure for this cruel illness, but in the meantime the charity helps individuals currently in need by providing funding for things such as specialist carers, Parkinson's Disease specialist nurses, help lines and home adaptations for sufferers”.

Andy said: “In February 2014 my mum Karen was diagnosed with bowel cancer, requiring both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by extensive surgery - this was followed up with a grueling further six months of chemotherapy.

“During this time, mum has had the input from many caring people including specialist nurses, many of which have been funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Macmillan is an amazing source of support that people affected by cancer want and need.”

If you wish to sponsor Mike or Andy, forms can be found at Wellington Medical Centre or you can visit their online fundraising pages at: virginmoneygiving.com/MikeMichaels or virginmoneygiving.com/AndyMoss