Hi all,

Michael and I were due to have completed this ride in 2021 but COVID got in the way and it was postponed until 2022.   So those who generously sponsored in 2021 are included in our target for this year.   Fear not we will be completing it!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page where we are planning to raise £5000 in support of Prostate Cancer UK by completing the GRAND DEPART CLASSIC 2022.

Having had a number of friends impacted by prostate cancer we felt it was time to get off our proverbial and do something.   It is the most common cancer in men, with around 26% affected, and 48,500 new cases annually.   Yet if caught early enough it is very survivable with nearly 80% living for 10 years or more.   Still nearly 12,000 men die each year many unnecessarily.    COVID has exacerbated the problem of men seeking check ups and support too.

Despite its prevalence it is badly underfunded and more reliable tests need to be developed.   As men in our 60s we have both recently undergone a prostate examination and understand why it can be embarrassing.  Unfortunately too many of our age group have shied away for that very reason.   This is why we desperately need to improve testing and education for us all to overcome our unease and get tested.    

Michael and I have only returned to cycling in the last few years and whilst we have completed a few long rides over 100 miles this will be a significant challenge at over 200km.   It follows the route of the first stage of the Tour de France a day before the pros so you could say we are part of the warm up act!   

You can check out the website here and maybe even join us!

https://prostatecanceruk.org/get-involved/grand-depart-classic

We are covering the cost of our participation so all monies raised will  go to the charity. So please dig deep and donate now.   Your generosity will spur us on and make a real difference!

Nigel and Michael Russell

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.