Nine participants from Stevenage FC have set off this morning (Friday 3rd June 2016) to take part in this year’s Football to Amsterdam cycling challenge for Prostate Cancer UK as the charity aims to raise half a million pounds.
Prostate Cancer UK, the Official Charity Partner of The Football League will stage its fourth annual football fundraiser from 3rd - 5th June and this year there is now not one but three grand departs.
Half our group will be setting off from Barnsley FC’s Oakwell Stadium whilst the other half will roll out from the Olympic Park’s Velodrome. Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town FC is another set off point. Joining the contingent will be Men United’s Three Lions - Luther Blissett, Terry Butcher and Viv Anderson.
Proudly representing Stevenage FC is former player and co-commentator, Neil Trebble, Boro Player HD commentator, Steve Watkins, along with fellow fans Andrew Medlock, Stephen Clarkson, James Warren, Paula Storey, Benjamin Storey and BoroGuide editor, Pete Hayman.
They will be riding along with the former England trio amid more than 350 riders in Prostate Cancer UK’s Men United team, all riding 145 miles and raising money to stop prostate cancer being a killer. Please donate and support our cyclists here.
Speaking ahead of the journey, Steve Watkins told us about why he does it.
"This is the third year that we have done it now and overall we have raised about £25,000 across the three years.
"Obviously the fundraising is the most important reason as to why we do it but it is also just a great ride to be on, joining up with fellow fans for a good cause."
The £500,000 raised will help ‘shift the science’ and crack the three core issues of diagnosis, treatment and prevention which have been left unsolved for too long. It will also help provide support and information to those affected by the disease.
From the initial event in 2013 with a small group of 35 riders, to a total fundraising tally which will smash through the £1m mark this year thanks to a biggest ever peloton; the football-themed cycling challenge has proved a phenomenal success throughout its four years.
To sponsor our riders please visit https://www.justgiving.com/teams/stevenage2016 and donate to a great cause.
For more information about the ride, visit prostatecanceruk.org/amsterdam or contact the cycling team by calling 020 8222 7158 or emailing cycling@prostatecanceruk.org.