Mountain bikers will turn Archallagan Plantation pink this weekend to raise money for cancer charities, with support from SMP Partners.

During Paint the Plantation Pink, which starts at midday on Saturday, cyclists will be sponsored to ride around the fire track in Archallagan as many times as possible in a 12-hour period. Entrants in the women-only event are asked to wear pink in recognition of the four cancer charities being supported.

The sponsored ride has been organised by Melanie Dowling as part of her fundraising for the sixth Women V Cancer Challenge. Melanie is due to cycle 450km through Vietnam and Cambodia over six days in November 2016 to raise a minimum of ?3,200 for Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

In addition to sponsorship from Paint the Plantation Pink going towards those charities, one quarter of everything raised on Saturday will be donated to the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group.

Leading corporate service provider SMP Partners is sponsoring the event to meet the organisation costs, ensuring all money raised goes directly to the charities.

Mark Denton, Managing Director of SMP Partners, said: ‘We were delighted to be able to give our support to an event which should not only be great fun, but will also raise vital funds for four important charities.

‘I hope the community really gets behind Paint the Plantation Pink, filling Archallagan with colour on Saturday and raising as much money as possible. I also wish Melanie all the best as she prepares for her Women V Cancer Challenge.’

Paint the Plantation Pink starts at midday on Saturday. During the day a treasure hunt will take place and refreshments will be available courtesy of Flo the Coffee Van. Flo will be donating all profits to the Manx Cancer Breast Cancer Support Group.

To find out more, contact Melanie on 483248, email painttheplantationpink@manx.net or search ‘Paint the Plantation Pink’ on Facebook.