A father of three from Mylor Bridge has completed a gruelling cycle challenge from Bristol to Truro to raise awareness and funds to fight testicular cancer.

Cancer survivor Dan Hadley and five close friends set off from Bristol Hospital to travel via chemotherapy wards in Taunton, Barnstaple, Exeter and Plymouth before heading to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, all to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer support centre The Cove.

Dan, and his wife Bryony-Jane found out that he had testicular cancer shortly after the birth of Martha, their baby girl, in June 2014,and he was told he would have to radiotherapy, before being upgraded to chemotherapy.

Dan said: “Not quite the same feeling as getting a flight upgrade, I can tell you.”

Dan said he and Bryony tried to keep the full truth from their two sons: “The boys found my hair falling out hilarious. Bryony was so strong and supportive but I know she found it hard.

"Our wider family were amazing and we are so lucky to have them all living within three miles of us. They walked the dog, did the school run and fed the boys when Bryony was with me in hospital. I felt guilty that I had brought this into our lives and created this burden for them.”

Now given the all clear, albeit with regular check-ups, dan wants to give something back to Lowen Ward at RCHT where he had his treatment.

When nurses on the ward told him about plans for The Cove, and the £2.8 million needed to build it, he decided to plan a sponsored cycle ride with his old friend Treve Hosken.

he said: “I know that my family would have used The Cove, had it been around last year.”

Having set up a group, Team Subsidium, with plans for a fundraising physical challenge every year or two,he planned the ride with the aim of making £5,000 for The Cove, and before they started had raised £1,665 with a coffee morning at Tremayne Hall.

He said of the ride: "It went very well. The worst part being the head winds and heavy rain over Dartmoor on Saturday. Legs were very heavy on the sat and Sunday but we were met by some friends for the last few miles which helped drag us home."

He said: “From the worry and fear of going through [cancer], I now see the best in all situations but most of all, it’s given me a real drive to make a difference for others going through those difficult times. The Cove will certainly do that.”

To donate to Dan's cause, visit www.justgiving.com/Daniel-Hadley7