A RETIRED firefighter diagnosed with thyroid cancer after losing his voice has renewed a plea for sponsors to back his latest charity fitness challenge.

Andy Collis is tackling a gruelling 141-mile cycle ride from Morecambe to Bridlington.

The 52-year-old is taking on the Way of the Roses challenge, over the weekend of May 27, with 20 others.

Proceeds are being split between Martin House Children’s Hospice at Boston Spa, the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at Leeds General Infirmary and Jacqui’s Million, a campaign to raise £1 million for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre at St James’ Hospital, Leeds.

Mr Collis, of Crooke Lane, Wilsden, is taking part in the ride to celebrate being in remission.

He had been retired as a watch commander at Fairweather Green for only three weeks after 30 years of fighting fires when doctors diagnosed him with cancer on December 8, 2014.

He'd left a lump on the side of his throat for months without getting it checked out, until losing his voice forced him to see a doctor, followed up by tests and treatment.

"I’m doing really good," he said.

"I get a bit short of breath sometimes and I have to go back to the throat clinic every six months but it’s been good news.

"I can’t exercise as much as I used to but I take it easy and work with the energy I have. Exercise has been an essential part of getting better."

Last year, Mr Collis took part in the Queensbury Great Northern Triathlon, raising money for Bradford Hospitals’ Children’s Charity.

The coast-to-coast team aims to raise £10,000.

The first stage will cover 62.5 miles from Morecambe to Pateley Bridge, climbing 4,760 feet.

On the second day the ride will end in Pocklington, after an energy-sapping 65.5 miles and 1,757 feet climb.

And the riders will finish on the third day at Bridlington.

To sponsor Mr Collis or make a donation, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Andy-Collis2.