SADDLE SORE but determined, father-of-four Andrew Bacon is hoping he’ll stay the course in the upcoming Pink Ribbonride.

Mr Bacon from Stonesfield near Witney has signed up for the 26-mile route of the Pink Ribbonride, which takes place on May 12, just a day after the Pink Ribbonwalk, also at Blenheim Palace.

The 52-year-old, who owns a domestic appliance repair company, said: “I’m not a great cyclist and in the last event l did like this I came in last.

“But it’s a great cause and I’m just looking forward to raising as much as I can for Breast Cancer Care.”

The Pink Ribbonride has two routes – with a gruelling 60-mile route alongside the less challenging 26-mile course.

Mr Bacon said: “I inadvertently did around 30 miles this weekend when I took a few wrong turns and ended up going to Bicester, Deddington and then on to Chipping Norton.

“My phone battery died and therefore my route tracker stopped working and I cycled much further than I had intended.

“In fact, as I cycled back into Stonesfield I could have been overtaken by pedestrians – I was very tired!”

He continued: “My four sons, and especially my youngest Joseph, nine, think it is hilarious that I’m doing this. And even my wife Rachel thinks I’m crazy. But I’m determined to do it – even if they have to stretcher me away afterwards.”

The Pink Ribbonride, like the Pink Ribbonwalk, raises funds for the charity Breast Cancer Care, which offers support and information to breast cancer sufferers.

Mr Bacon said: “My mother, who lived out of Oxfordshire, suffered from breast cancer before her death, and I hope that because I saw what she and friends have been through – the treatment, the hair loss and the added trauma of reconstructive surgery – I’m sympathetic in the right way.”

He added: “Breast Cancer Care is a great charity, in that it offers real support and help to people who go through this terrible disease.”

lMr Bacon can be sponsored at justgiving.com/Andrew-bacon or you can text ANLJ60 followed by a pound sign and your donation to 70070.

To take part in the Pink Ribbonride register at breastcancercare.org.uk/ ribbonride Registration fees are £30 for the 26-mile course and £35 for the 60-mile course with a fundraising target of £100. People raising £150 get a free Team Breast Cancer Care cycling jersey.