VÄTTERNRUNDAN is the largest recreational bicycle ride in the world. Cyclists love the size and length of it. This year over 20,000 peope will cycle the 300 km course, including Simon Green, for James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer.

Simon writes:

"In the early hours of the morning on Saturday 19 June I am going to set off from Motala in Sweden and ride around Lake Vatturn on my bicycle. It is 186 miles (300km to the Europeans amongst you). If things go to plan, it should take about 11 hours.

I have never really given myself a personal challenge like this before, so I thought i would take the opportunity to seek your generous support by way donations to this important charity. Most people visiting this page will have known my dad, Robert Green. In late 2003 he was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma or kidney cancer as it is more commonly known.

Kidney cancer is one of the least treatable forms of the disease, as it does not respond to many traditional treatments. New treatments are not widely known about and often not readily available due to cost or the complicated drug approval process.

Throughout 2004 the disease progressed but dad fought to get the best care from doctors all over the world. He showed signs of improvement with the new drugs that he had to fight to get access to, which amazed even the doctors.

Sadly things later deteriorated and Robert died in January 2005.

Dad's case demonstrated the lack of awareness of this disease. The difficulty that people face in getting the best care and medication, and the barriers faced by people who so desperately need new treatments to be licensed, approved and funded."

If you would like to help Simon in his fundraising efforts please visit his online page.