Three-time cancer survivor cycles for hospice

A three-time cancer survivor is embarking on a 1,400km (870 miles) gruelling cycling challenge in Canada to raise money for a hospice.

Patrick McIntosh, who lives in Outwood, Surrey, starts his expedition on Sunday riding from Vancouver to Calgary.

The 68-year-old told the BBC he wanted to "do as much as he could" to support St Catherine's Hospice in Crawley while he was still fit and healthy.

Mr McIntosh said: "Having survived cancer three times, I understand the importance of vital care and appreciate the important mission of charities like St Catherine's Hospice."

Mr McIntosh has been fundraising for the hospice for almost 40 years.

"St Catherine's Hospice is an extraordinarily wonderful organisation. In the past they supported some of my friends who have now passed away," he said.

Mr McIntosh is no stranger to taking on extreme challenges to fundraise for the charity.

These include cycling from Twickenham to Tokyo in 2019 for the Rugby World Cup, a solo expedition to the South Pole and cycling from the UK to Barcelona last year.

"Basically, I am living in remission. I will spend the rest of my life undergoing medical checks," Mr McIntosh.

"I think it is also important to do the things you enjoy while you still can.

"For me, alongside with supporting the charity, I absolutely love travelling."

Mr McIntosh has travelled to many other places, including Siberia, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, rural France and Malawi.

"I love cycling across different places, I can enjoy the smells of the flowers, I can take in the views and I can stop and talk to people."

He adds he hopes to complete his latest challenge in 16 days and his fundraising target is £20,000.

He explains if he hits this target, two sponsors will contribute £2.50 to every £1 raised - totalling £50,000.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.