A UNIVERSITY professor from Wirral got on his bike for a trek that has raised more than £650 for cancer research.

Professor Mark Pritchard, a cancer researcher at the University of Liverpool, pedalled 170 miles from Morecambe to Bridlington in West Yorkshire in aid of North West Cancer Research (NWCR).

The 48-year-old, from Heswall, was inspired to take on the challenging journey in aid of NWCR after being awarded a research grant by the charity in 2013.

Professor Pritchard is currently heading a three-year research project funded by NWCR, investigating the role a naturally occurring bacterium called Helicobacter pylori plays in the development of stomach cancer.

Prof. Pritchard is also a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, treating patients with a range of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract - including cancer.

Professor Pritchard said: "I have been involved with the charity both as a researcher and as a member of its scientific committee and have been very impressed with how it operates.

"I was keen to get involved and raise some funds to help other researchers.

"It was a very scenic but challenging route through some of the country’s most beautiful countryside.

"Despite climbing some big hills and riding along the bumpy roads in the rain, the whole event was very demanding but also really good fun. I’m really pleased to have finished the course with the help of my wife.

"Knowing the fantastic research that NWCR facilitates certainly helped on the days when my legs didn't want to give as much as I did.

"It's great to be able to help a local charity which not only supports my work, but also aids other researchers across the region, helping improve our understanding of cancer and how to better treat and prevent it.”