A grandfather who beat cancer and completed a mountain bike ride across the Alps has been nominated for the Gazette's Fundraising Hero of the Year award.

John Jones, 68, a member of West Drayton Mountain Bike Club, under-took the Marmotte Cycling Challenge last July, raising as much as £7,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign.

The route is recognised as one of Lance Armstrong's famous Tour de France victories, and involves more than 100 miles of cycling, ascending to more than 8,000 feet and tackling 21 hairpin bends.

John said: "It is great to be nominated for this award; it was a real challenge and I am planning on doing the ride again in 2010 when hopefully I won't have to walk for five miles as I did last time.

"I only thought I'd raise about £1,000 but in total £7,000 was raised which went to the hospital's general fund."

John was nominated by Ian Dobie, managing director at St George Plc of Parkwest in Porter's Way, West Drayton, who sponsored him to help make his ride possible.

Mr Dobie said: "I nominated John for the Fundraising Hero of the Year award because he is an inspiration to us all.

"Despite suffering from prostate cancer, at the age of 68 he fulfilled a lifetime dream of completing La Marmotte, one of the toughest one-day cycling events in the world.

"He also did a fantastic job in raising awareness and over £7,000 for the Royal Marsden Hospital - far more than his initial target.

"When you meet people like John you realise we have some real heroes in our borough and that age really is nothing but a number."

Local Heroes categories are:

* Community Hero: someone who has helped the community, perhaps with a project or campaign. Winner receives £250, runners-up £50.

* Fundraising Hero: any individual or group which has raised money for charity. Winner receives £250, runners-up £50.

* Young Hero: a youngster aged 16 or under who deserves recognition in the community. Winner receives £250, runners-up £50.

* Citizen of Courage: someone who has shown bravery in a difficult situation or achieved a goal against the odds. Winner receives £250, runners-up £50.

* Carer Hero: anyone who has selflessly looked after others. Winner receives £250, runners-up £50.

The overall title Hero of Hillingdon will be chosen from any of the above category winners. Winner receives £750.