BRIXHAM TO LAND'S END IN ONE DAY. That's what I’m intending to do as a cycle ride in June, to raise money towards this year’s Rotary Ride for Prostate Cancer, an annual national Rotary event. Can I please ask you to sponsor me? 

The charity.

Generally, the work of the Torbay Prostate Support Association which promotes advancement in the education of men by encouraging them to look after their healthcare. 

Specifically, a machine which uses new advanced technology for more accurate detection of prostate cancer: the Multi-Parametric MRI or mpMRI, combining what can be seen with MRI and with ultrasound. Here’s what it’s all about:

http://api.pdfix.net/convert/0/78hzuf/index.html

And even more specifically, Torbay Prostate Support Association's intention is to get one of these into our local area,- within Torbay Hospital

The ride.

From my home town of Brixham in Devon to Land’s End in Cornwall, a distance of about 125 miles in one day in June; I’m aiming for Friday 21st June, subject to the weather (we all know that, with the exception of last year, June weather in Devon is usually pretty dire) so may go a bit earlier or later than that. At an average speed of about 10 mph that’ll be twelve hours cycling, only feasible (I hope!) because the June days are long.

The machine.

…. and also only feasible, for a sedentary accountant two years away from his pension, with his trusty Lifecycle Traveller e-bike. E-bike? Isn’t that cheating? Well not really. I use it for exercise, the battery being there for support on the ubiquitous Devon hills. Training rides have shown that, under battery power alone, I could do 60 to 70 miles. So, with 127 miles to travel, there will still be lots of hard work all the way. 

Still, my conscience gets some reassurance from the survey in this article:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/can-really-get-fit-electric-bike/

"Many of them never thought they could do that kind of challenge. It totally amazes them." The last words in the article, referring to people who go on long trips like me. Yes it’ll be a challenge, but the certainty that funds raised will support extra kit at my local hospital is what inspires me to go for it.

The context.

I’m a member of the Rotary Club of Brixham which operates locally, nationally and overseas. My ride is part of this year’s Rotary Ride for Prostate Cancer, an annual national Rotary event as I’ve said. But only a part. The local Rotary clubs in the Bay have combined to organise a Charity Bike Ride and Family Day event to raise sponsorship funds. We have taken over the Velopark at Clennon Valley Torbay Leisure Centre, Paignton for the day, on Saturday 15 June. The Velopark is for cyclists,- individuals, families or groups,– and static bikes are also available in gazebos.

It’ll be a fun day, a family day, and will run from 10 am- 4 pm, which will allow people to drop in and out, eat, socialise and know that good will only come from their individual efforts. If you want to take part sponsorship forms are available from:

   rotarybikeride@outlook.com

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The important bit – how to donate..

I have a JustGiving page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/maldwynevans

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I have many friends who have suffered from prostate cancer in their lives. Please do what you can to support my ride and get this marvellous technology into our local hospital,- to both speed up diagnosis for those who have this cancer and, because of its accuracy, give reassurance to those who don't. 

Thank you.