Thankyou for visiting my Just Giving Page, Here's the reason I have chosen to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

I have always had a passion for cycling since I was young and the enjoyment it brings is second to none. There is nothing like it when you are sitting on that start line waiting for the bell to go and you are off.

This particular season I was racing as a British Cycling 2^nd Category rider and had just ridden the Divisional Champs alongside winning 7 races with numerous podiums placings. I was riding about 400 miles a week at that time and felt that I had really hit a peak.

In the July of 2013 I began suffering with chronic pelvic and lower back pain. I tried to ignore it and carry on, however I ended up being rushed into hospital where I was diagnosed with Prostititis which is inflammation of the prostate gland.  This can often occur in cyclists due to repetitive compression to the perineum from the saddle leading to recurrent inflammation of the prostate and in turn chronic inflammation and is known to be a risk factor for cancer.

I remained in hospital for almost two weeks (the only upside was that I got to watch the Tour De France in peace). Upon discharge, the consultants advised me that I should stop cycling as the outcome will be the same.

I have been unable to ride a bike for the last 5 years or so and although I have had several attempts at doing so, I have had to stop after only a few rides due to severe pain again.  At the end of May this year I started riding again with the help of a new specifically designed saddle that takes the pressure of the perineum and some extra padded shorts and So far, I have been pain free and going from strength to strength.

I want to raise money to help build awareness and research for Prostate Cancer but I also want give hope to any cyclists out there who find themselves in the same position I was and for this reason I will be undertaking the 200 miles (320kms) cycle ride on Sunday 8th September.