Football League clubs saddle up in fight against prostate cancer.
Fans of Port Vale FC are being called upon to join the ultimate World Cup warm-up by saddling up for a memorable bike ride from London to Amsterdam in support of Prostate Cancer UK – The Football League’s long-term Official Charity Partner.
England’s World Cup campaign has been set and less than a week before the tournament kicks off in Brazil, representatives from all 72 Football League clubs can join former England star Luther Blissett on the road to the Netherlands.
Port Vale is proud to announce that our one and only Micky Adams will lead the Valiant contingent, and by using pedal power to conquer the picturesque 150-mile challenge riders will be helping more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life.
The charity helps to support 250,000 men living with the disease in the UK, and Micky said;
"When I heard that Prostate Cancer UK were looking for a representative to cycle the London to Amsterdam bike ride I was more than happy to participate.
"Prostate cancer is an issue that can affect any man in any walk of life. 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. I will do all I can to support the charity and create awareness.
"I hope that all our supporters, their friends and families will get behind me to support the charity cycle I will be representing Port Vale in, this June.
"Together we can make a difference and to show your support please donate to my Just Giving account
"I'm fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK (@ProstateUK) using JustGiving. Check out my page on JustGiving:- http://www.justgiving.com/Micky-Adams"
The Grand Depart is in East London early on Friday, 6 June, from Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium, heading out of London through rural English countryside, and stopping off at a second ground, Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium, for refreshments.
After completing the 90 mile sojourn to Harwich by dusk, the intrepid team cross the Channel overnight, before riding a further 60 miles across the flat landscape of Dutch Zeeland. The climax sees the peloton arrive in the country’s capital and its network of canals, cobbled streets and wonderful architecture.
There will be a chance to wind down and reflect on a notable effort, on Saturday night in the city centre before a less energy-sapping return to London, via Eurostar, after lunch the next day.
Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK Mark Bishop said: “We were blown over by the efforts of Port Vale at their fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion. That kind of unity is what Men United is all about.
“It’s great to see a club rooted in its community want to make a difference to men’s health, not just on behalf of its own fans but actually on behalf of all men across the country.
“As more clubs join together under the banner of Men United we can truly make a lasting difference to men’s health.
“Our club captains have been busy building up their teams and it will be fantastic to see so many people saddling up for a serious test of cycling when they convene at Leyton Orient in June. The London to Amsterdam event is shaping up to be a key event on the calendar and we’re delighted to see Luther Blissett showing his support by joining the peloton.
“From the shadow of the Olympic Stadium to the heart of the Netherlands’ principle city, it’s the perfect warm-up to the World Cup as we promote and raise money for a hugely important cause.
“Prostate cancer kills one man every hour in the UK with one in eight men likely to be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lifetime. We want to be there for men and continue the fight against this killer disease.”
Fans can find more details and sign up to join Micky at prostatecanceruk.org/amsterdam to represent their club for the London-Amsterdam cycling challenge.
The deadline for signing up for the ride is 9th April. Prostate Cancer UK asks cyclists to raise a minimum of £1,000. The registration fee is £149 and spaces are unlimited.
To register for Prostate Cancer UK’s regular football newsletter packed full of all the latest Men United news and features by the finest football writers on the web visit prostatecanceruk.org/football.
If you have concerns about prostate cancer please call Prostate Cancer UK's confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org. The helpline is free to landlines, staffed by specialist nurses, and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.