A former Royal Marine battled back from cancer to complete the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 and inspire hundreds of others as a PruGOals mentor.

In 2013 Jules Walker was sat in a hospital bed recovering from five doses of chemotherapy and 35 doses of radiotherapy – losing his hair and 25kg in weight.

But after being given the all-clear in 2014, the now chairman of the Dartford and Gravesham Kent Cancer Action Group took to the saddle to ride the 100-mile course in aid of charity.

Walker is part of the PruGOals programme, which is working with 500 youngsters aged 16-18 to build their confidence and encourage personal motivation.

After getting involved through the Invictus Foundation three years ago, the Brands Hatch mentor battled through torrential conditions to complete epic cycling challenge.

Walker said: “Nobody likes riding in the rain, but to see these kids riding their hearts out, focused, giving it their all, that’s what life’s about, that’s what makes me tick.

“What I love most about this is that everyone’s having fun, regardless of the weather. Last year was brilliant. This year it’s the other end of the scale.

“And to see all the PruGOals riders in the same tops, encouraging them going round, helping them when they’ve had a puncture, that’s what it’s all about.

“Everybody’s had fun regardless of the weather. You’ve gone past them shouting ‘come on PruGOalers,’ and there’s an instant beam to their face.

“I don’t think there’s anyone here that won’t say they’ve enjoyed it, and they’re thrilled to get to the finish.”

Prudential’s PruGOals programme is run in partnership with charity partners Greenhouse Sports, Transformation Trust, Centre Point, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Teach First.

The role of the partnership is to empower young people to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential regardless of social or economic background.

And after completing the 100-mile challenge Walker, originally from the Black Country, is going one step further – aiming to ride over 250 miles at the Revolve 24-hour bike ride in September.

Being able to support the children through a mentorship programme has been a challenge that 51-year-old Walker relished undertaking.

“It’s been really fulfilling,” Walker said. “We had one of the teachers come up and say that they struggle to keep these guys still for 20 minutes, you’ve had them here for an hour and ten, and they’re still engaged.

“For me, keeping these youngsters involved and motivated is the whole reason behind it. I had throat cancer, and through my treatment I had a positive mental attitude.

“Off the back of that I’ve supported 14 people and encouraged them to maintain the positivity.

“If you’ve got a positive attitude, always look on the bright side.

“The only way that things won’t go your way then is if you start to think negatively.

“To see these youngsters, with smiles on their faces, It’s the whole package.”

PruGOals is an initiative set up by Prudential to empower young people to drive their ambitions and fulfil their potential regardless of social or economic background. For more information, visit prugoals.co.uk