A 73-YEAR-old grandfather and cancer survivor from near Abergele is preparing to cycle more than 1,000 miles unsupported across Europe for charity.

John Burson MBE, 73, is taking on the challenge to raise money for sarcoma cancer research and support for those affected by the disease.

Not only is he a cancer survivor - having been diagnosed with it on four occasions - but he has been a search-and-rescue dog trainer for more than 40 years, and was given an MBE for his services to search-and-rescue in 1995.

He was also a mountain rescue team member for many of these years. In 1988, he was called to Lockerbie, Scotland, following the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 that claimed 259 lives.

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John’s life took an unexpected turn in 2021 when he discovered a lump at the top of his leg.

Swiftly referred to the hospital, he was diagnosed with a pleomorphic soft tissue sarcoma.

He underwent surgery at the RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen to remove the cancer and then had six weeks of radiotherapy at Christie Hospital in Manchester.

He is now cancer-free but has regular checks every six months.

In September, he and his son Matthew will embark on a six-week unsupported cycling journey through Europe.

They will catch a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk; then, John and Matthew will cycle along the French and Belgian coasts before continuing across the Netherlands and then down the Rhine to Paderborn in Germany.

They will then plan the next part of their journey. Though there is no set finishing date, the entire journey is expected to take about six weeks.

“I have a very understanding wife,” said John, who has two grandchildren, and who also has a plan for where they will stay each night.

John hopes to raise £1,000 for Sarcoma UK – to donate, go to: www.justgiving.com/page/john-burson-1715492617250.

He added: “I am a member of a community called Welcome to My Garden. This is for slow travellers who are either hiking or cycling.

“We open our gardens for folk to camp overnight for free. It is a great way to meet like-minded local people throughout Europe. 

“We will buy our food locally and cook on our lightweight camping stove.

“After I was diagnosed, I had some dark moments where you think: ‘what about this?’ and ‘what about that?’ but I contacted Sarcoma UK’s Support Line and they were brilliant.

“They really gave me reassurance. After my experience with sarcoma cancer, I wanted to do something meaningful to support Sarcoma UK.

“Their support was invaluable during my treatment, and this unsupported ride is my way of saying thank you and helping others facing similar challenges."