The Tour de France may have now left England but one keen cyclist plans to take to the mountains for charity.

Gerry Rosen, of Rutherford Close in Borehamwood, will take part in the Etape du Tour ride this Sunday to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

This event replicates stage 18 of the Tour de France and will start from the Pyrenean gateway of Pau and finish at the ski resort of Hautacam near Lourdes.

Mr Rosen said: “Having suffered from cancer myself 15 years ago at the age of 26, and more recently seeing some good family and friends suffering from the big c and the wonderful support Macmillan Cancer Support provides, I thought about what I can do to support a worthwhile cause.

"This is the perfect response - cycle 100 miles in the high Pyrennean mountains, climbing more than 4,000m in one day against a time limit. I must be mad, but quite simply it's worth the pain.”

So far, Mr Rosen has raised almost £2,000, which could fund a Macmillan Nurse for more than 74 hours - meaning that someone living with cancer could be pain free for this amount of time.

Hertfordshire fundraising manager Kerry Cunnane said: “The funds that Gerry has raised from taking part in this event will make sure that no one faces cancer alone. Macmillan is there to help people diagnosed with cancer and their friends and family. We all wish Gerry the best of luck and thank him for supporting Macmillan Cancer Support.”

To take part in a run, cycle, swim or triathlon for Macmillan, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or contact the Fundraising Support Centre on 0300 1000 200.