IN memory of his mother, grandmother and aunt - who all died from cancer - one man will be cycling some of the toughest mountain climbs of the Tour de France to raise money for Macmillan. Ian Smith, of Heathfield Road in Hitchin, will be taking on Macmill

IN memory of his mother, grandmother and aunt - who all died from cancer - one man will be cycling some of the toughest mountain climbs of the Tour de France to raise money for Macmillan.

Ian Smith, of Heathfield Road in Hitchin, will be taking on Macmillan's Alps Cycling Challenge in September and aims to raise at least �1,600.

Over three days he will cycle 186 miles, up and over six mountain passes, with a total ascent of nearly 8,000 metres.

Ian, 50, is a keen cyclist and has completed three charity bike rides before.

However, he said: "This will be the most arduous I have tried and it includes the terrifying Alpe D'Huez on the final day.

"I am no Lance Armstrong and will spend the months leading up to the event getting myself fitter than ever before."

He added: "With the big 50 now behind me, I thought it was about time to do something really worthwhile.

"Please help me to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan.

"We are all touched by cancer at some point in our lives, and Macmillan exists to improve the lives of everyone living with cancer."

To sponsor Ian, visit www.justgiving.com/baldylocks1812

A PORTRAIT of race ace Lewis Hamilton has raised �50 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Artist Aidan Caine, of Penn Road in Stevenage, was commissioned to paint the portrait by Stevenage Borough Council (SBC).

It was presented to Stevenage's twin town, Autun in France, on a recent visit.

Instead of payment for the portrait, Mr Caine asked for a donation to be made to The Comet's Charity of the Year and SBC decided to give �50 to Macmillan.

Mr Caine said: "Even if SBC only donated �10, that would make my efforts worthwhile as Macmillan is an important cause.

"I appreciate The Comet's campaign to raise awareness for support of Macmillan."

A CHEQUE for �500 has been presented to Macmillan by the Rotary Club of Stevenage.

Club president, Prue Dixon, said: "Cancer afflicts many people and their families. The trauma and distress this causes is difficult to understand until one has been affected.

"Macmillan does such a fantastic job in the community and provides unstinting help at a most stressful time.

"Our club will continue to support this valuable cause.