AN accountant who felt like his "body had let me down" after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer has turned his experience into something positive.

Neil Driver, who lives in Loughton, tackled gruelling 125 mile cycle challenge Grand Depart to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, who gave him support after he was told he had the disease.

The 54-year-old discovered he had prostate cancer two years ago - something which came as a shock as he had no symptoms.

He said: "When I was told I had cancer I was very low, emotional and angry with my body for letting me down.

"Having to share with family and friends was very hard.

"But I pushed myself to do so and make those my age and older aware they need to be tested.

"I had no pain, no discomfort, no blood or discharge. It is a very silent disease which is why it is important for men to not do the normal man thing of ignoring it because it’s easier."

Neil made a full recovery after keyhole surgery and now hopes that his efforts on the bike will raise awareness about the disease which kills one man every hour in the UK.

The father-of-two added: "Having cancer is not something that is easy to talk about, I found it hard to even say the words 'I have cancer."

Mr Driver, an accountant, took on the race, which started in Germany this weekend.

He left Dusseldorf at 6.45am and battled strong winds and hills to arrive in the Belgian city of Leige 12 hours later.

Speaking about the challenge, he said: "It was an amazing experience but by far the hardest thing I have ever done.

"I had to dig really deep but thinking about all the people who have supported me helped to get me through.

"On Sunday I was a wreck. I have such respect for these guys who get up and go again and again and the speed they go is absolutely unbelievable."

He raised £3k for the charity.

He said: "Prostate Cancer UK were very good to me when I needed support - their help guides and telephone assistance were outstanding. I really wanted to give something back by doing this.

"I was lucky enough to be diagnosed early and able to have it removed as there are so many that can't and are worse off."

Neil will complete two more 100 mile rides before the end of the summer.