TWO daring doctors have got on their bikes in a personal attempt to raise vital funds for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

Consultant haematologist Dr Paul Kelsey and chief biomedical scientist Mark Wrigley from Blackpool Victoria Hospital took part in a 500km cycle ride across Ecuador's toughest terrain in October. And they have raised an impressive £12,000 for the hospital's new cancer unit -- the biggest single donation so far.

Dr Kelsey said: "We had trained hard and thought we were reasonably fit, but I have to admit it was tougher than we had expected.

"The second day we wondered what we had let ourselves in for when we had to cycle 52km -- 48 of them uphill!"

The challenge took the plucky pair through dense tropical rain forest, over the Andes and down into the steaming jungle and banana plantations of the Pacific coast.

"While it was extremely hard work there were many high points of the trip," added Paul. "The views of the mountains and rain forests were spectacular. I would say the best part was when we got to the highest part and I thought 'yes I have done it'."

Dr Kelsey has been involved in the cancer unit project from the outset and felt it was important he should make some sort of commitment himself while asking others to support the appeal.

But he said: "It is vital that people continue to fund raise. Work has now started on building the cancer unit but there is still a long way to go to reach the fund-raising target.

"The unit is going to provide a superb centre for all patients with cancer across the Fylde Coast."

BUILDING has begun on the £2.9 million cancer out-patient department at Blackpool Vic and patients will benefit from the new facilities in early 2003.

The new development, which is situated next to the Women's Unit, will provide a permanent base for haematology and oncology services with the most up-to-date facilities.

It will include a specialist area for counselling, an information centre for cancer patients and their carers and a pharmacy dispensing service. The total amount raised for the appeal so far is £1,415,276.