Just two years ago the outlook was bleak for Steve Timmins. After being diagnosed with bowel cancer aged just 38, the Wolverhampton father-of-two’s future was at the very best uncertain.

But now he has astounded family and friends by completing the gruelling route of cycling’s most prestigious and challenging event, the Tour de France.

Steve, who was given the all-clear last year, joined former Wolves star and leukaemia sufferer Geoff Thomas, for the huge challenge.

They rode with three other Midland men who have also beaten cancer.

Read the full story in today’s Express & Star.

Just two years ago the outlook was bleak for Steve Timmins. After being diagnosed with bowel cancer aged just 38, the Wolverhampton father-of-two’s future was at the very best uncertain.

But now he has astounded family and friends by completing the gruelling route of cycling’s most prestigious and challenging event, the Tour de France.

Steve, who was given the all-clear last year, joined former Wolves star and leukaemia sufferer Geoff Thomas, for the huge challenge.

They rode with three other Midland men who have also beaten cancer.

The quintet took on the endurance test to raise the profile of the Geoff Thomas Foundation, a charity set up by the former midfielder to raise funds for the development of new treatments for patients with cancer and leukaemia.

Steve, who lives in Perton and is now 44, said: “I never thought I would be able to do something like this but after three weeks and over 2,000 miles, we finally crossed the finishing line.

“It was very emotional seeing our family and friends waiting for us in Paris. I have to admit I shed a few tears.”

Steve, who works at a water treatment plant in Kidderminster and grew up in West Bromwich, has been a keen cyclist for many years but never thought of taking on such a feat.

Geoff and Mike rode with Phil Bullas, from Shirley, Birmingham, who like Mike, had beaten lymphoma, and Dave Granger, from Eve-sham, who had been given the all clear from throat cancer.

To find out more about the charity, see www. geoff thomasfoundation.com

By Becky Sharpe