A FORMER cancer sufferer is leading a group of cyclists on a 300-mile bike ride to Paris over three days to raise money for charity.

Five years ago Terry Oliphant developed a large lump in his neck and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer of his lymph glands.

A form of testicular cancer, the illness spread upwards through his chest where further tests revealed he had 20 lumps.

Mr Oliphant, of Gundulph Road, Bromley, says he would not have found out he had cancer had it not been for the lump in his neck.

The 30-year-old said: “It was a very aggressive and rapid cancer.

“I was very lucky it came up in my neck, if I’d found out any later it might have been too late.”

After going into remission six months ago, Mr Oliphant has made a full recovery and has set a target of raising £1,000 for Cancer Research.

The floor layer said: “It seemed appropriate to give something back to charity. If it wasn’t for Cancer Research I wouldn’t be here.”

Mr Oliphant and four friends are in rigorous training before they set off on their bike ride leaving Bromley on June 3.

He said: “We’re not big cyclists. It’s not like we use bikes for work or as a hobby.

“I’m worried about sitting on a saddle for three days and getting a sore bottom.

“But it will be nowhere near as much pain as (cancer) brings to people.”

To donate money to visit justgiving.com/terryoliphant30