’I wanted to do something personal as the charity has done a lot for my family.’

The manager of the Douglas Marks and Spencer store, Matt Robinson, is to cycle 85 miles around the island for MacMillan Cancer Support, as it did a ’fantastic job’ in caring for his father.

Matt will be following the coastal road as part of a tribute to his dad, who recently died after battling with cancer for six months.

His target amount to raise towards the charity, which helps those affected by the disease, is £500.

He said: ’Three years ago my father passed away and MacMillan was really good in terms of support for my family.

’I’ve been wanting to do something for the charity in the last couple of years.’

M&S has had a long-standing partnership with MacMillan.

Once again the island’s store will take part in the World’s Largest Coffee Morning for MacMillan, which is on September 28.

Matt continued: ’Every Marks and Spencer shop is raising funds in their own way.

’The team here is going to try and ride the same distance as myself on static bikes to give a sense of what’s going on during my ride.

’They will be at the front of the store.’

He explains that a live feed will take place to show where he will be in the island.

’It’s a bit of fun and a bit of a race between us all.

’I do quite a bit of cycling and the island is good for it,’ he said.

They began their challenge today. Other fundraising activities will take place throughout September, such as bingo.

To donate towards Matt’s cause, search: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/IOMride