South Warwickshire Prostate Cancer Support Group aimed to “tackle” Prostate Cancer with a Father’s Day and Save a Dad charity spin ride which was held at the Leisure Centre in Stratford-on-Avon on 16th June and raised over £1000.
The support Group joined Tackle Prostate Cancer’s Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad campaign, a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bicycles or motorbikes and raise awareness and funds to fight against prostate cancer.
The ride was organised by Doug Badger, the chairman of the South Warwickshire Prostate Cancer Support Group and many of those riding are members of the group and their families and friends. The group focuses on supporting those whose lives have been changed by prostate cancer. The group meet at The Shakespeare Hospice, Shottery and wives and partners are welcome to attend. The group is supported by the specialist nurses from the Urology Department at Warwick Hospital.
Doug Badger said: “Save a Dad on Father’s Day. Survival rates for Prostate Cancer are still worsening. We urgently need a reliable screening programme to pick up aggressive cancers at an earlier stage. Tackle is the prostate cancer patient’s voice – help us make the government hear that voice.”
Cycle to the Moon is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails. The campaign was first launched in 2018 and received an overwhelming response from the public. This year, Tackle are building off the success from last year and working towards their goal to raise £250,000, £1 for every mile to the moon. In addition to raising funds the campaign also aims to encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis.
Doug Badger added: “There were 16 of us saddled up at 11am and our instructor Helena kept us at it for the next 45 minutes. Collectively we covered 187 miles in that time so you can see that we were working hard – there were hills involved! I would like to thank the following group members and relatives for turning out on the day Krys, Claire, Steve, Pat, Jill, Katie, Malcolm, Ian and Tristram. Thanks also to our supporters club especially the Little Budds ! Commiserations to Mike and Graham who were prevented from taking part on the day by injuries. We had six volunteers from the Leisure Centre taking part, including our instructor’s father John Cope. The choice of Father’s Day proved to be inspired. Some who were spinning were doing so in memory of their fathers and others were doing it as a contribution to supporting their fathers who are living with prostate cancer. And many of us were doing it to prove to ourselves that we still could get on our bikes, prostate cancer and other health conditions notwithstanding!”
