Husband in cycling fundraiser for hospital that treated wife

Martin Steel, 46, will cycle the gruelling distance with his friend Keith Palmer, also 46, to raise funds for the hospital where his wife, Sarah, received treatment for her cancer.

Three years ago Mrs Steel was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that affects only one in a million people.

Mr Steel said: "It was a shock when we found out.

"I was thinking 'why her?' and 'why me?', it all happened really quickly."

Within a week of being diagnosed at Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Mrs Steel had a consultation in Preston.

She was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei in June 2014.

Mrs Steel was told she would need a "de-bulking" operation in the next few weeks.

The couple's 13-year-old son, Brogan, suffers from Asperger's and was on a school holiday so they decided to postpone the surgery until he was back at school.

Mr Steel said: "We've never told Brogan exactly that it's cancer.

"He knows his mum's been poorly and had tummy problems but that's all he knows.

"It's been tough for him but he's dealt with it really well."

Mr Steel says his wife has dealt with it tremendously, she has built herself up and just got on with it.

It was a hard six to 10 months for her but she just got on with it and took it day by day.

He said: "I can wholeheartedly say I am proud of how Sarah has faced up to this most difficult of times, facing this disease with dignity and strength of character at all times, even at the darkest times."

So far, Mr Steel has raised a third of his total target of £3,000.

He thanks DSG Vaxhaull, Finger Prints, True Tech Training, DSL Heating, Kismet Garage Equipment, Stollers Furniture World, Ian Tudor Car Services, Tony Woodburn, Peter at Supagard and Mark at Car Care for their sponsorship.

Mr Steel is looking for anyone who could help with the cost of one night's stay in Manchester as they will need the rest after the long journey.

To donate to Mr Steel go to www.justgiving.com/
fundraising/martin-steel3.