CYCLIST Dean Grubb, 35, from Worcester is taking on an extreme bike ride in the USA to raise vital awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action.

Mr Grubb, aged 35, of Blackpole, is doing the challenge in memory of his Allan Grubb, who sadly lost his battle to the disease in 2016.

He aims to start his 600km challenge on October 7 at the Grand Canyon in Arizona and finish it eight days later at Las Vegas, Nevada.

Allan Grubb, who loved cycling and walking, and originally came from Malvern, was diagnosed in November last year with pancreatic, lung and liver cancer and died three weeks.

After losing his father to the disease, Dean heard about the cycle challenge and decided he would do it in memory of his dad who he used to cycle around the countryside with.

He said:

“My Dad was always 100 per cent in my corner and would always help me in any way he could, any way he knew how. That's a proper dad. Hopefully this cycle trip will make him proud and raise a bit of money for fighting this disease. I just hope I make it.

“He was a man who did things, right up until the end. He and one other guy built himself and his partner Kathy a conservatory the summer of 2016, at the age of 68, so a physical challenge is something he would have liked.”

Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer and the survival rate is just five per cent, the lowest of any cancer.

Ali Stunt, founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are so delighted that Dean is giving his time and effort to take on such a challenging bike ride in aid of Pancreatic Cancer Action. The story of Allan’s diagnosis is one that we hear of far too often which is why it is so important to back him in his fundraising efforts.”

”We rely solely on donations from the public and thanks to people like Dean, we can continue our vital work of research into early diagnosis and raising awareness or pancreatic cancer.”

To sponsor Mr Grubb, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Dean-Grubb1.