A team of cyclists will be attempting a 300-mile pedal round the Hampshire borders this weekend in aid of ground-breaking oesophageal cancer research.

And the University of Southampton professor behind the world-leading research is donning his lycra to take part alongside former patients.

Funds raised will go towards ongoing research that is cracking the code of why oesophageal cancer has a 70 per cent rate of recurrence.

Tim Underwood. (Image: University of Southampton)

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Tim Underwood, Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery, and his team based at University Hospital Southampton, have discovered a rare mutant cancer cell that remains – hidden – post-treatment in some patients, allowing the cancer to return.

Prof Underwood said: “These cells appear to be hidden from conventional methods of detection, and they could be the reason that oesophageal cancer comes back in some patients where standard assessment suggests complete cancer eradication.

"This has profound implications for new treatment strategies that aim to spare patients surgery, our data questions the safety of this approach.”

The two-day cycle challenge, on Saturday and Sunday, has been organised by Nicola and Jeremy Packer, from Alton.

It follows Nicola's own fight against oesophageal cancer in 2021, at 53 when she underwent a gruelling radiotherapy, chemotherapy and major surgery performed by Professor Underwood to remove her oesophagus.“At the end of my treatment, I said I would do anything in my power to help other people not go through the mill like I did,” she said.

Now a member of Professor Underwood’s Strategic Oversight Team, Nicola has visited his research labs. “I was so moved, looking at the work they do and the passion behind the team,” she said. They are on the cusp of some really important innovations that will be translated across cancer.”

(Image: Family collection)

On the cycle challenge, Professor Underwood said: “I’m really delighted that Nicola and Jeremy are organising this to support our research, that’s a real honour and will support us in our mission to get the better of oesophageal cancer. I’m a fairly keen cyclist – but have to admit 300 miles is slightly out of my comfort zone!”

Nicola join will join a 'B Team’ of cyclists collaboratively riding 300 miles on spin bikes, whilst Jeremy will join the B Team on Saturday and then take on the second 150 miles with Professor Underwood on Sunday.

To sponsor them, visit justgiving.com/page/around-hampshire-challenge