Gavin Darby, chief executive of Premier Foods, will be taking part in the world’s largest individually-timed cycle race to raise funds for the company’s new charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support.

The business’ new head, who took over from Michael Clarke last month, will take part in the 36th Argus event on Sunday 10 March in Cape Town, South Africa, among 35,000 cyclists from around the globe.

He will be taking part in the event as part of Premier’s fundraising initiative, based on its charity partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, which was voted for by its employees.

Darby said: “I am delighted to be cycling for such a good cause. I want to be able to make a difference to those affected by cancer and this ride will be a great personal challenge for me, pushing me to my limits during the 110km route along the Cape. I have been training since January here in the UK, braving some chilly conditions in order to be well prepared.”  

The company has said it aims to fund 10,000 cancer nursing hours over the next two years, helping those suffering with cancer across the UK.