HEREFORDSHIRE charity motorbike rider Jon Birchall, a cancer sufferer who is aiming to raise money to beat the disease, will get a surprising send-off from Kington next week when he starts the next leg of his ambitious round Britain ride.

Quad bikers will form behind Jon on his Yamaha machine for a parade through the streets next Tuesday, June 30, and staff at Kington’s Border Bean cafe are promising tea and cakes for participants. The light-hearted event will herald the second stage, Berwick to Blackpool, of the 54-year-old farm business consultant’s brave challenge to ride 5,000 miles round coastal Britain on his bike.

Jon, who lives with his wife Sarah at Letton, has already completed the first part of his ride from Blackpool to Chepstow. He has so far raised £10,000 towards his £50,000 target to raise awareness of early diagnosis of kidney cancer, and helping to fund research into treatments and an eventual cure for the disease.

Next month, his sister Jill Williams and her family at Marston Court, near Pembridge, will be hosting a novel Live Sheep Racing event to help Jon reach his target. Already a popular event in the Lake District, the races will feature specially trained Beltex sheep, from Marston Court’s flock, and will wear knitted ‘jockeys’ on their backs.

The ‘Fun Family Event’, with music, barbecue and children’s entertainment will have a serious aim. Proceeds will go to FacingUp2KidneyCancer and St Michael’s Hospice, as well as Pembridge School.

Says Jill: “I am really proud of my brother, this is a hell of a thing he is having to face, and he is making an effort to do this challenge.”

Jon was initially diagnosed with episodic fatigue when he sought medical help after finding himself constantly tired in 2010. Later, a cricket ball-sized tumour was found on his left kidney. Despite surgery, the cancer had already spread to his lungs. He is committed to spend the time he has left – estimated to be between 30 and 40 months – working to raise awareness and funds to beat the disease.

“We don’t necessarily hear about kidney cancer,” says Jill, “but it is the eighth biggest killer.”

For details about Jon’s progress, or to offer support, go to www.facebook.com/FacingUp2KidneyCancer

*Quad bike riders will meet on Tuesday June 30 at Kington market car park at 10.45am before parading through town.

*Gates open at 2pm on Saturday July 18 for Real Live Sheep Racing at Marston Court, Pembridge. First race at 3pm.