A Kent MP is taking on a cycling challenge to support women's cancer charities following her own battle with the disease.

Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, is set to take part in the 100km Women v Cancer London to Brighton Bike Ride in October.

Ms Crouch was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and following a gruelling 12 months of treatment was given the all clear in June.

Now, the Conservative politician says she wants to help support three cancer charities supporting women and continue to raise awareness of early diagnosis.

The bike ride, on October 2, will see riders set off from Crystal Palace National Sports Centre and head through Surrey and down to the coast finishing at Brighton Pier.

Women from across the country are participating in the ride and the charity hopes to raise £3 million for the 10th anniversary ride.

It will support Breast Cancer Now, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

Ms Crouch has set up a JustGiving page and hopes to raise £3,000 for the charities.

She said: "As most will know I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. I had a double lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and am now on hormone suppressant injections.

"In my mind I have been very lucky on my journey and now on the other side I am taking positives from my diagnosis.

"I am now fitter, healthier and have a new perspective on life.

"This includes doing all I can to raise money for cancer charities so that others who face a diagnosis get the support they need.

"I also want to raise awareness about early diagnosis and show that with improving outcomes many more can emerge from treatment smiling and ready to take on the next challenge – like cycling London to Brighton."

"I have been very lucky on my journey and now on the other side I am taking positives from my diagnosis..."

Ms Crouch says "every penny raised" will go to the three charities and says she's been "privileged" to meet their advocates through her parliamentary work.

"It is time for me to give something back on behalf of those who I represent who have like me needed their support.

"Anything you can give during these difficult times will be much appreciated."

The 46-year-old mum spoke out during her treatment, keeping her sense of humour about shaving her head during chemo and encouraging women not to be "squeamish" about getting checked for breast cancer, which claims 11,500 lives every year in the UK.

She was diagnosed after discovering a 33mm lump in her right breast in June 2020 and went to hospital the next day.

Ms Crouch says she was lucky to receive a fast diagnosis because was able to go private to have a mammogram, ultrasound scan and biopsy the same day.

But she is now campaigning for this to be available across the board to all women on the NHS.

Former sports minister, Ms Crouch has been fighting for greater regulation in football calling for a government-led regulator for the game to support smaller clubs, the future of the game and imposing greater financial control throughout the pyramid.

In a letter to culture secretary Oliver Dowden last month, Ms Crouch wrote there is "much to celebrate and be proud of" but said there were serious faults which need to be addressed.

“The short-lived threat of the European Super League jeopardised the future of the English football pyramid," she said.

"While that threat has receded – for now – the dangers facing many clubs across the country are very real with their futures precarious and dependent in most cases on the willingness and continuing ability of owners to fund significant losses.

“When this is multiplied by poor financial controls, reckless behaviour by owners and an unwillingness of the authorities to intervene the results are clear – as can be seen from the recent fates [financial collapses] of Bury and Macclesfield. Historic and much loved clubs going under. Loyal fans bereft and communities decimated."

The comments from Ms Crouch, chairman of a fan-led review into football, have pushed the possibility of government legislation for official regulation closer to becoming reality.

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