A lecturer at Hendon police college who beat cancer has raised more than £19,000 for charity by riding a bike across the UK.

Detective Constable Paul McConnell, 38, who lectures students on forensic procedures at The Peel Centre in Hendon, was part of a 10-man team who cycled 1,000 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End in 10 days last September.

Last Monday, Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens presented representatives of cancer research campaign Everyman set up in 1997 by the Institute of Cancer Research with a cheque for £13,000.

DC McConnell, who lives in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, said: "Our intention was to raise awareness of cancer, particularly male forms of the disease.

"The main message we want to put out is don't die of ignorance if you suspect anything is wrong, go straight to a doctor.

"I was diagnosed in the early stages of the disease in 1999 and this was vital in enabling doctors to treat the disease quickly and, thankfully, successfully.

"So it is essential that everyone is aware of the symptoms. I am delighted to have helped raise such a substantial amount of money to help in the fight against this dreadful disease."

The other riders in the group were eight serious crime group officers and two others, including DC McConnell's brother, Glynn. Around £3,000 was also presented to the Everyman campaign in December last year.

June 25, 2002 13:00