Ambassadors
The Prostate Cancer Charity is thrilled to have a wide variety of celebrities on board to support the 2011 Tour Rides.
Bradley Wiggins CBE: Professional Cyclist, Team Sky
“Keeping fit and staying healthy are really important aspects of cycling for me. That’s why The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides are such great events. You get an amazing chance to follow in the tracks of professional cyclists on part of The Tour of Britain route and you’re also helping a cause that’s really important for men's health.”
Mark Goodier, Smooth FM DJ
“I thought it was an amazing experience. There was a real community spirit at the start, which was very welcome given the challenge that was facing us.
“It was definitely the most difficult terrain I have ever experienced - and I am just glad to have survived! I was very happy with my two and a half hours.
“This is a very important cause to me for personal reasons as my father-in-law, Bill, died from the disease. He was a great man. We need as many men as possible to increase their awareness of prostate cancer, and take control of their health.”
Mark Bright, Ex Footballer and Pundit
“I did the London Ride for the Charity in 2009 and decided to up the stakes last year with a tougher challenge, in Stoke-on-Trent. As a Stokie, and keen cyclist myself, it was a proposition I could not turn down. It was pretty impressive to see so many people, from all across the UK, at the startline. As well as enjoying a good day’s cycling, everyone taking part was also showing their commitment to getting the message out there about prostate cancer.
“I have been an Ambassador of the Charity for several years now. In particular, I am a supporter of their fantastic work to break down the taboos around the disease in the African Caribbean community, where men are three times more likely to develop the disease than white men.”
Ed Clancy MBE: Professional Cyclist
“I did the Stoke-on-Trent ride last year. I enjoyed it. It was a good day - and nice to see my teammates on a day when we are not competing, in a stress free environment.
“The number of cycling fans has really grown in the past few years, largely following the success we have had at The Olympics and in the Tour de France. You could see on the Tour of Britain stages there were a lot of spectators out on the route especially to watch the bike ride.
“The Tour Ride is a great opportunity for people to be able to actually ride the same route themselves and challenge themselves against the pros. It was really well organised with food stops along the way, race cars and good signage. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in men in the UK, so it was also good to do this for a good cause and get the message out there.”
Kristian House: Professional Cyclist, National Road Race Champion 2009
“I have always had a fantastic time at The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides. There is always a really good crowd and the events are a lot of fun. As well as being a good trial run for the main Tour of Britain event, I was really happy to show my support for The Prostate Cancer Charity. I take part in a lot of professional events, but I also love cycling with my family and friends. That’s why I could really relate to the Charity’s ‘Unite ByCycling’ initiative, which aims to get everyone on two wheels to raise funds and awareness of the disease, whatever their cycling ability. The beauty of these events is that there is a distance for everyone. I hope as many people as possible will sign up and ‘unite by cycling’.”
Rudolph Walker, MBE: Actor
“I really enjoying taking part in The Prostate Cancer Charity’s London Tour Rides, which last allowed me to trade Albert Square for the real East End as the course made its way through East London for the first time. It was great to see so many people saddling up and joining me on the day to take in the sights and help raise awareness of such an important cause. Particularly, in the African Caribbean community, prostate cancer can often be shrouded in myth and secrecy, with many men oblivious to the increased risk they face of developing the disease. Yet sadly prostate cancer is not a myth and it is not a disease which just happens to other people. This is why I am keen to spread the word that there are no taboos to this disease and there is no need for embarrassment by encouraging others to ‘Unite ByCycling’."
David Schneider: Actor and Comedian
"Although I was “slightly bloomin’ dreading it” taking part in The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides was a great experience and allowed me to do something for the 37,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer at the same time. If I - an urban middle aged man who thinks physical exercise is stroking a cat - can take on a challenge like this, anyone can, so I would urge people whatever their ability to put their name down for The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides today."
Hugh Porter MBE: Sports TV Commentator
“Over the years I've attended hundreds if not thousands of cycling events, but The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides are one of the best ways I've seen of bringing together cyclists of all ages and abilities - from professional riders and keen cycling fans to complete beginners who are just keen to get involved or have a family day out. The Charity is encouraging people across the UK to 'Unite ByCycling' and join together to spread awareness of prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men in the UK and affects some 37,000 men every year . The Tour Rides are a one-off opportunity to have a highly enjoyable, memorable day following in the tracks of professional riders on The Tour of Britain whilst also raising awareness for an important cause. ”
Phil Liggett MBE: Sports TV Commentator
“Having covered cycling for more than 40 years, including the Tour de France for the past 37(!), I think I have seen most combinations of a great sport. I fully support The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides as they are an excellent idea and it is fantastic to see how enthusiastically the Charity is backing the sport. More importantly, the Charity is making us realise just how aggressive the disease is and that we males are all likely victims and must be conscious of this. There’s nothing makes me feel better then when I am riding my bike in the countryside with friends and the Tour rides promise all cycling fans an outstanding challenge that will allow people who may never have ridden before, to enjoy the life a professional found a long time ago. I encourage you all to give the Tour Rides a real go with your pals and sign up today.”
