RUSSELL Neve’s motorbike is a form of escape from the pain of his advanced kidney cancer.

Over the Easter weekend he will ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a bid to show how “we can all stand up to this illness”.

Mr Neve of Chandlers Way, Ramsey Mereside, will make the 1,281-mile trip to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support – visiting six cancer centres across the UK including Adenbrooke’s Hospital where he is currently being treated.

The 41-year-old will be joined by more than 100 bikers at different points of his four-day journey, with 82 already committed to completing the final leg between Bristol and Land’s End.

Mr Neve, who moved to Ramsey Mereside five years ago with his wife Kathy and three children Katie, 18, Hannah, 17, and Joshua, 13, was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer in December.

Having taken redundancy in January from Lola Composites, Mr Neve decided he wanted to do something to make a difference.

He said: “I came up with the idea of the ride and visits to the units to raise awareness and show that, in the event of bad news, we can all stand up to this illness and not let it beat us. I’m looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait until the day I set off.”

Tragically the father of three lost one of his kidneys in a motorcycle accident many years ago and his rare A-B blood type makes finding a donor unlikely.

Nevertheless, despite the physical pain he is suffering, Mr Neve will set off from John O’Groats on Good Friday and reach Land’s End on Easter Monday – hoping to have raised upwards of £3,000.

“The support Macmillan give me and my family is second to none, and being a biker who loves a challenge, I decided to do this run. I’m hoping to raise £2,500 from sponsorship but will also be auctioning the bike afterwards which should take the total over £3,000.”

Mr Neve will be holding a fundraising event on Saturday, March 23, at Stevelin Motorcylces, Great Whyte, Ramsey, from noon to 4pm with a raffle and a chance to donate to the cause.

INFORMATION: To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/Russell-Neve