From left: Chris Fancourt, Jeff Ferguson and Jason Cleworth

A TENNIS coach who beat cancer twice after doctors gave him a 20 per cent chance of survival is cycling the length of Italy with two friends to raise money for charity.

Islander Chris Fancourt (30) is celebrating seven years of being in the ‘all clear’ and aims to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research UK and Everyman – a charity that funds research into male cancers.

‘Back in 2001, I was diagnosed with a rare abdominal cancer and endured many months of treatment,’ said Chris. ‘I have since been happily in remission so I am obviously keen to support continued research and development.

‘Inspired by Lance Armstrong and Mark Beaumont – a 25-year-old Scot who cycled the world – I hope to raise substantial funds for a worthy cause.’

The St Helier resident plans to cycle 1,050 miles from Milan to Palermo with friends Jason Cleworth (28) and Jeff Ferguson (31).

They leave Jersey on 5 July and expect to be away for three weeks. Islanders may have spotted the trio cycling around Jersey because they have been wearing the Italian flag during training sessions.

‘We have been training properly since February,’ said Chris. ‘We try and beat each other every week. We are doing about 120 miles a week each. ‘The person who does the least amount of miles pays a fine and it goes towards a kitty for the trip.

‘All the money raised goes to the charities. We have paid for the flights ourselves.
‘We have raised just under £5,000 so far. We did a quiz night at the Caesarean Tennis Club and about 60 people came. We also did a static cycle race outside Marks and Spencer’s and we are going around the pubs and clubs.’

Islanders can donate at www.justgiving.com/Cycleitaly.