THE £72,237 raised for Macmillan Cancer Support from last year’s Dorset Bike Ride brought the total raised to a magnificent £1million since it began.

The London Boat Show was the venue to announce the result of the 2012 Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride and appeal for cyclists to sign up for this year’s event on Sunday July 7.

Ride organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls, who founded the event in 1989, presented the cheque to the charity’s chief executive Ciarán Devane.

“When we started out all those years ago with such small beginnings it was a distant dream to raise £1m,” he said.

“However with the backing of Sunseeker International in the last seven years we have now raised over £1m in total.”

Ciarán said: “I would like to congratulate Peter and the Dorset Bike Ride on reaching the incredible milestone of £1m. Cancer is the toughest fight that many of us will face.

“The money raised by the Dorset Bike Ride means that more people can be supported by the Macmillan team. We are very grateful to Peter and his team for all their hard work and fantastic amount raised.”

This year the charity cycle ride, which routinely attracts around 800 riders, celebrates 25 years. To mark the event there will be a special 25 mile ride with a route through Charborough Park.

The usual other rides will be on offer including the 10, 38, 48, 60 and the challenging Macmillan Dorset 100 mile ride.

Ciarán added: “We also wish the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride every success for the 25th celebratory year and hope that more people than ever before will take part in the event to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Also at the presentation were Sunseeker International group president Robert Braith-waite and operations director Wayne Moore.

“Sunseeker are delighted to be associated as official sponsor with the Dorset Bike Ride once again,” said Wayne.

“Macmillan Cancer Support is an excellent charity and their team do a wonderful job to help sufferers and their families in many ways.

“The ride gives an opportunity to take part in a great day in a beautiful part of the country while raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

Enter online at macmillan bikeride.co.uk, contact Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride, PO Box 1432 Broadstone BH18 9YE or call 01202 601705.