An older man riding a bike along a woodland track

Tackle launches inaugural campaign ‘Cycle to the Moon’ to help raise awareness of prostate cancer

Tackle Prostate Cancer, the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK, has today announced their inaugural national cycling event ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ – a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes and raise awareness and  money for the fight against prostate cancer.

Cycle to the Moon is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling miles either on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails from  now to the end of June 2018. The event is open to all ages regardless of ability. It is designed to be a fun, healthy activity raising funds on behalf of Tackle Prostate Cancer as well as encouraging the next generation to participate. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis. The campaign’s target is £250,000 –  £1 for every mile between Earth and the Moon.

Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer says: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be.  Raising awareness and funds through this  campaign will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family.”

Tackle Prostate Cancer is a patient-led charity addressing the real issues people face when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and helping people to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. As a National Federation, Tackle has 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members.

Cycle to the Moon ambassador, vocal coach and TV presenter David Grant, said:

“Prostate cancer does not care who it affects or the devastation it causes to patients and their families. It’s a cause close to my heart as my cousin was diagnosed, so I want to urge you to make a difference and get on your bikes and clock up some miles. One man dying every 45 minutes is a startling figure and we all need to do what we can to reduce mortality figures. This is a chance for members of the public to fight this cancer. The event is open to all ages regardless of abilities, it is designed as a fun and healthy activity whilst at the same time raising funds for Tackle Prostate Cancer.”

Prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer. making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every penny raised will make a difference, lives will be saved and more people will be aware of the need to be tested. The money will help the charity continue to meet its objectives of campaigning on behalf of patients and raising awareness in the community. It will also enable the ‘Save a Dad’ initiative to be followed through in secondary schools where the aim is to get a discussion on prostate cancer in the National Curriculum, just as breast cancer is included today. Working through secondary schools Tackle would like to make teenagers aware that prostate cancer will impact 1 in 8 of their dads. The charity hopes that by educating the next generation about the importance of men being tested earlier it can help “Save a Dad”.

Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust, Chairman, Tackle Clinical Advisory Board said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK.  Unfortunately many men are unaware of this fact and unaware that there is a blood test, PSA, that is an indicator of their risk.  The ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ initiative will raise children’s awareness and thus their fathers. Undoubtedly, lives will be saved.  Knowledge is power.”

Lord Rose, Ambassador for Tackle Prostate Cancer said: “One in eight men in the UK will develop Prostate Cancer. Tackle’s initiative ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ is an exciting fundraising event which aims, through schools, to raise awareness in the next generation and hopefully see more men at risk of prostate cancer having an earlier diagnosis.”

If you would like to get involved please go to the Cycle to the Moon website  where you can download a fundraising pack full of great ideas and tips to get peddling for the fight against prostate cancer.

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