No Excuses Sportive Raises Funds For Prostate Cancer UK

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Posted Wednesday 3rd April 2013 –

uk-cycling-events

Cyclists have taken to their bikes to raise vital funds for research into prostate cancer. UK Cycling Events Ltd has adopted Prostate Cancer UK as their chosen charity this year with the Wiggle No Excuses Sportive event having kickstarted their season of 52 organised rides across the country.

The charity cycling event, which took place on March 16, based at Huntingdon Racecourse took in some of the best and quietest roads across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, attracting 1700 riders. The event was free to enter, but riders who booked a place on this high demand event and did not turn up were charged £28, all fees going towards Prostate Cancer UK. Riders who did ride on the day enjoyed a superbly organised event, where everything was free of charge.

Some riders also choose to donate additional funds to Prostate Cancer UK, as a thank you for an enjoyable days cycling. The event raised £22,000 with £16,000 going to Prostate Cancer UK to support more men with prostate cancer, provide vital information and find answers by funding research into causes and treatments.

Martin Barden, of UK Cycling Events, said he was delighted with the association with Prostate Cancer UK and thrilled to have been able to contribute so much money from one event.

He said: “Everyone who rides in any of our events is invited to raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity, our events make fantastic sponsorship challenges and sponsorship packs are readily available. We hope to raise awareness of prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men in the UK, and encourage people to talk about it.

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“Prostate cancer not just affects men, it impacts on their families,” he explained. “In all the goody bags we give to riders when they cross the finish line, we provide information about the potential signs of prostate cancer and the work of Prostate Cancer UK, to lift awareness but also to educate.”

Riders can raise money for Prostate Cancer UK in any of the rides organised by UK Cycling Events, in 2013. Every rider who raises £200 will receive a fundraising cycle jersey and those who raise £500 a front and rear set of Exposure bike lights.

Mark Bishop, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, a disease which kills 10,000 every year in the UK. That’s one man every hour. We encourage anyone keen on cycling to help make a difference to men by signing up and taking part in one of the 51 Super Series events still to take place this year.

“We are incredibly grateful to all riders that raised funds for the charity and took part in the Wiggle No Excuses Sportive. Our thanks also go to UK Cycling Events, who are providing a fantastic opportunity throughout our partnership to raise essential funds that will help us support more men with prostate cancer, provide vital information and find answers by funding research into causes and treatments.”

UK Cycling Events offer riders of all abilities the opportunity to take part in friendly, well-organised cycling events which are extremely well-signposted routes. The rides offer free parking, on site catering, free energy drinks and snacks, electronic chip timing, mechanical support, bike wash facilities and post ride massages.