Three Keighley bus drivers raising money for cancer charities need not look too far away for inspiration - colleague Michael Cumbers has been battling with the disease for 14 years.

Steve Brier, Brian Thorpe and Russell Wilkes, who work with Michael at Keighley and District Travel, are in training for a gruelling 880 mile bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Sue Ryder Care, backed by the Keighley News.

Michael, who is currently in remission, was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1989. He said: "I was dumbstruck. It's the old clich that you never think it's going to be you."

Since then the disease has returned five times, spreading to other parts of his body. Michael, from Utley, has had to undergo five operations and at least three bouts of chemotherapy.

For the last eight years he has attended monthly check-ups, each time with the dreaded prospect that the cancer may have returned.

Despite this Michael is more concerned about the effect it has had on his family and the five children he has with his wife. He said: "Just before Christmas I was down in London for an operation.

"When I came home and all the younger kids wanted to have a look at the scars I didn't realise that my father was there and he had to turn away because he was crying."

Michael, 48, has been treated at hospitals from Leeds to London and has suffered ulcers, loss of hair and sense of taste due to chemotherapy. He believes the fundraising efforts made by his colleagues are encouraging for sufferers and their families.

He said: "There's been an improvement in treatment. Fourteen years ago the chemotherapy made me feel nauseous constantly for six months but the last time I had it was not as bad.

"I believe that there will be a cure one day, what with modern technology."

Colleague Steve said: "People like Mick make me feel pretty humble. I couldn't go through what he has gone through - I would fall apart."

He added: "My own awareness has been blown through the roof, and raising awareness is half the battle. This is not just about us three doing the bike ride, it's about the whole community taking part.

"Keighley and District Travel are losing on average about one driver a year to cancer, so other companies must be experiencing the same. If we want to protect our friends and family we need people to join in with us."

l A tribute night held on Boxing Day evening to celebrate the lives of K&DT colleagues lost to cancer raised £1,161.74 through the sale of 160 entry tickets, donations and a raffle.

Steve, Brian and Russell are now back in training for their marathon bike ride in September, which will see them cover approximately 100 miles a day.

The trio are continuing their fundraising efforts by "getting their fingers into as many pies as possible" and will be taking part in car boot sales, auctions and raffles. In the first week in March they are holding a display in the Airedale Shopping Centre to explain to people what they are doing, details of their fundraising and information about cancer in an effort to raise awareness of the illness.

Donations to the 'Cycling for Life' team's ongoing effort can be made by adding to a collection box in the Travel Office in Keighley bus station.