A LUNG cancer survivor is determined to complete a 7,500-mile charity cycling challenge by the end of the year.

Gary Sherry thought his life was over when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 inoperable lung cancer in June 2018, but after radical radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he has now been told there is no evidence of disease.

The 54-year-old started cycling to improve his lung capacity because the harsh treatment left him with a partially collapsed right lung. 

He challenged himself to ride 7,500 miles in 2021 while raising money for dog rescue centre SNDogs. 

Gary has already cycled more than 6,000 miles towards his target.

He said: “I know I’m going to meet it. I wouldn’t have got this far if I wasn’t going to do it.

Swindon Advertiser:

“I chose a dog charity because my two dogs brought me so much comfort during my treatment. 
“When you’re diagnosed you’re always waiting for news. At the time, I was at my parents’ house with my two boys and they were the only company for me.

“My girlfriend was working all day so they were stuck with me all the time. I got chemo sick and they came and laid by my bed. 

“They look at you in such a loving way and they sort of give you warmth and hope.

“To me, they’re not animals, they are part of my family.”

Dog Ruffus hasn’t only supported Gary through his ordeal; he previously belonged to a woman who died from cancer. 

Gary was out walking with rottweiler Zeus when he was approached by a nurse who asked if he would take on her patient’s dog.

When Gary first started cycling, he could cycle for about 90 minutes. Now, he can cycle 100 miles in one sitting. 

He said: “I was crying, the missus was crying when I finished that. There’s stuff I can’t do but there’s stuff I can still do.

“I still suffer from fatigue and I found it very disheartening to start with.

“It’s a rollercoaster because you realise you’re not as strong as you once were.

“I can feel full of energy and then ten minutes later I need a kip so that’s why I got a Peloton instead of a roadbike.”

To donate to Gary’s challenge for SNDogs, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mysteryroad-5000