Tenovus Cancer Care is encouraging cyclists who are tackling the popular CARTEN100 challenge to help raise vital funds towards its Closer to Home Appeal.

The Closer to Home Appeal has been selected as one of the two charity partners for this year’s CARTEN100, a 100-mile cycle from Cardiff to Tenby taking place on Saturday, May 12.

Both CARTEN100 organisers and Tenovus Cancer Care are urging riders to collect money for the charity’s Closer to Home Appeal, which aims to raise £1million to fund the build and initial running costs of a state-of-the-art Mobile Support Unit.

The unit, the charity’s third, will launch later this year and will be the largest mobile chemotherapy unit in the world. It is hoped that the challenge will help raise £50,000 towards the appeal.

Riders will cover 100 miles on the day and by supporting Wales’ leading cancer charity they will also be helping to save cancer patients from travelling miles for their treatment, reducing the stress and expense of travelling to hospital.

The third unit will be over 60 per cent bigger than the charity’s first unit. There will be space for seven patients to receive treatment at a time, and during its lifetime the unit could deliver over 125,000 treatments.

Those visiting the new Mobile Support Unit will also benefit from a complete package of cancer treatment, support and care. Patients will receive advice on diet, exercise and managing stress. This is vitally important as wellbeing plays a part in how well people respond to treatment, recover and whether cancer recurs.

Head of fundraising at Tenovus Cancer Care, Lisa Buckley, said: “We are extremely proud to be one of the chosen charities of this year’s CARTEN100. It’s set to be another great event and we’d encourage people to take up the challenge and raise funds for our Closer to Home Appeal, to help support people affected by cancer in the community.”

Sam Warburton, Welsh international rugby player and Closer to Home Appeal patron, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the difference the Mobile Support Units make to cancer patients and their loved ones. They’re so spacious, user friendly, convenient and comfortable. This is a great opportunity for CARTEN riders to get behind the charity and help shape the future of cancer treatment in Wales.”

Brian Lakin, Closer to Home Appeal chair, said: “Thanks to Tenovus Cancer Care Wales is leading the way in collaborative and patient-focused cancer treatment. The Closer to Home Appeal is a great way for CARTEN riders to give something back to the community and show what Wales can really do. I’m passionate about supporting the appeal so please join me in rising to the challenge.”

More information on Tenovus Cancer Care’s Closer to Home Appeal can be found at tenovuscancercare.org.uk/closertohome

If you or someone you love has been affected by cancer, Tenovus Cancer Care can offer help and support. To find out more call the Tenovus Cancer Care free Support Line on 0808 808 1010 or visit tenovuscancercare.org.uk.