MODEL Hayley Evans has very personal reasons for taking part in the Argus supported bike ride in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Hayley, 32, of Cwmbran, is encouraging people in the region to register for the charity's sponsored 15-mile bike ride on Sunday.

Her grandmother Doreen Knee had lung cancer and died in 2002; her grandfather Sydney Knee had prostate cancer and also died in 2002, while her other nan, Dorothy Long, has undergone surgery and chemotherapy and is being treated for breast cancer.

Family friend Norman Evans, 42, also from Cwmbran, will be joining Hayley on the day.

He will be cycling in memory of both his father John, who had cancer on his eye which spread throughout his body, and his grandmother, Agatha Cole, who lost her battle to stomach cancer.

Hayley said: "We really want to do something to help people like us who have lost relatives to this terrible disease which is affecting so many people.

"I am not a keen biker but I've decided to give it a go because it is something I can do to help."

Maria Parker, Cancer Research UK community fundraiser, said: "The bike ride promises to be a memorable day out which you can enjoy with family and friends. Money raised really will help Cancer Research UK in its life-saving research."

The South Wales Bike Ride takes place at Tredegar House. Supported by the South Wales Argus and Red Dragon Radio, it is a fun event for all the family almost all on flat ground, around the Wentlooge levels.

Registration on the day costs £20 and participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship money for their challenge.