THREE friends have enlisted the help of a pub to help raise money for a cancer charity in honour of a woman fighting the disease.

After watching many of their relatives and friends battle cancer, Ian Jordan, 53, and his friend Brian Bolton, 51, from Galleywood, have decided to cycle 65 miles to raise money for Helen Rollason, a cancer care charity which supports those with the disease and their families.

They will be joined by their friend Ryan Alexander, 41, of Watchouse Road, Chelmsford.

Ian said: “It all started after my wife was diagnosed and my friend Brian, who lost his wife to breast cancer 13 years ago, said we should do something for Helen Rollason.

“After a couple of drinks in the pub, we decided to do the bike ride.

“The charity is local and we wanted to do something for somewhere that really means something to us. They have helped with support groups, talk groups and massages, so have been really good to us.”

After hearing of their mission, Jacqui Coldron, landlady of their local pub, the Eagle, in Stock Road, Galleywood, offered to help and will hold a fun day to celebrate the friends’ achievement and raise additional funds.

Ian said: “We wanted a good startand-finish point and Jackie has got involved and has put a lot of effort in to help us.”

The men’s ride will begin at the pub early on Sunday, and will take in South Woodham Ferrers, Burnham and Bradwell-on-Sea.

The fun day will be held on the same day, with bouncy castles,abarbecue and face-painting by friend and fellow organiser Kate Gilvray.

A charity quiz night will be held at the pub this evening (Thursday) and a raffle will be held on Saturday.

Ian added: “We’ve done lots of training, but are now just praying for some good weather!”

You can donate at: justgiving.com/ brian-bolton2