A KNUSTFORD neurosurgeon is joining one of his brain tumour patients on a charity bike ride from Manchester to Blackpool this summer to raise money for The Christie charity.

Matt Bailey performed brain tumour surgery on Gareth Longden at Salford Royal and was persuaded to join him on his cycling challenge.

The 43-year-old from Knutsford explained: “Sometimes it’s best to do brain surgery with patients awake so that we can map the brain’s function during the operation.

“Patients respond to questions and perform tasks during the operation so that we can protect important areas as we operate.

“In Gareth’s operation, we were testing his speech and got chatting about his love of cycling.

“I was amazed to hear that he’s done the Manchester to Blackpool ride seven times to raise money for cancer patients.

“He went on to ask me if I would join him on the ride this year.

“I’m really inspired by his dedication and it’s great to support him raising money for such an important cause.”

Gareth had previously collapsed at work just before Christmas in 2021 and was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He had surgery to remove the tumour at Salford Royal in January 2022 and was then referred to The Christie for radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy during February and March.

He has also completed two out of six rounds of further chemotherapy at The Christie and will receive the results of his first scan this month to check his progress.

“The staff in each department at The Christie have been incredible,” the 42-year-old said.

“Nothing is too much trouble for them and the care they give puts me at ease so I can concentrate on my treatment.

"I’m also very grateful to Matt and his team for the brain surgery he did at Salford Royal.”

Gareth has been fundraising for The Christie since 2010 and is now urging other people to sign up to ride the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride or to raise funds in other ways.

“The Christie can't do the work it does without these extra funds,” he said.

“I never thought I was going to need treatment at The Christie, but you never know when cancer will strike.”

For more information about the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride and to sign up, visit the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride event page.