A DAD from Four Marks has a special reason for taking on one of the most gruelling cycle challenges around.

Miles Thomas’ aim is to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Charity as his wife Lisa was diagnosed with the illness last June.

On June 10, Miles aims to complete the longest of the four cycling challenges that make up The Dragon Ride in South Wales.

He will be cycling 190 miles and climbing a staggering 13,000ft on his Mango, single-speed bike, aiming to do it in few than 13 hours.

Since Lisa was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma cancerous brain tumour, Miles, 41, has raised £7,000 for vital research into this devastating disease.

Lisa’s illness turned life of both and their two young children upside down and she has endured two 10-hour brain surgeries and gruelling rounds of radio and chemotherapy.

Taking on the cycling challenge, Miles said: “I want to give Lisa the best support and help. The Brain Tumour Charity continue their excellent work in funding research, reducing diagnosis times, raising awareness, and aiding those suffering.”

Miles is more than a little aware of the challenge that lies ahead on the June 10.

A keen cyclist since his early 20s, he first tried no-gear bike riding while taking on the Ride London event back in 2016. He was hooked and now the Dragon Devil beckons.

He said: “On that kind of bike, if you’re into the wind even riding on flat ground can be painful, it’s tough being exposed. On a slope, you just get your head down and keep turning your legs. I’d rather be on a hill to be honest.

“There will be loads of others taking part and we may get spread out as the challenge goes on but there will be a huge buzz about the whole event, even when the riders thin out on later parts of the course. I’ve just got to stay focused.

“You can totally switch off riding a bike like this, you don’t have to think about gears – there’s a kind of calmness. “That said, it’s not going to be a relaxing ride all the way.”

By pure coincidence, the company Miles works for, TAG Farnborough Airport, chose to support The Brain Tumour Charity as their charity corporate partner of the year. He has received huge support from them and local bike specialists Silvester Brothers and Purple Bike shed, all crucial for Miles’ drive to galvanise the community in spreading awareness about the cause.

Geraldine Pipping, the charity’s head of fundraising, said: “The Dragon Ride is no normal challenge and we’re in awe of the feat that Miles is undertaking.

“We’ll be cheering him on all the way and are so grateful for all his efforts and the continued support of both him and Lisa and all their family and friends.”

The Trust doesn’t receive government funding and relies totally on people like Miles. To sponsor him, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/miles4lisa.