A team of 42 people, backed by Dunraven Windows, have ridden from Nice, France to Rome, Italy raising funds for the leading Welsh Cancer Charity Prostate Cymru.
Prostate Cymru, founded in 2003, is the leading prostate health charity in Wales, supporting men in Wales with prostate issues such as benign prostate disease and prostate cancer. The team of 42, including former rugby player Ray Giles and urology expert Dr Andy Thomas, covered over 550 miles with the aim of raising £25,000 for the charity – funding vital awareness, research, training and machinery.
The cancer rate for men in Wales is the highest in the UK and prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in Wales. It can be curable if diagnosed at an early stage, which is why the Charity President and Chairman of Dunraven Windows, Mr David Brace OBE, was so keen to highlight the benefit of such events; “Each and every year over 2500 welsh men are diagnosed, and 550 welsh men die from Prostate Cancer in Wales, which is why events such as this are so pivotal in raising awareness. Prostate Cymru has no national or government funding, meaning it relies on the kindness and generosity of fundraisers and volunteers such as these to fulfil its core aims.”
To start their challenge on 2nd September the fundraising team set off from Cardiff, South Wales on Friday 31st August and arrived at their base of operations in France shortly after. Over the course of 7 days the team of 42 bravely powered through the gruelling ride with all riders able to complete the monumental challenge. Between themselves the team have raised over £100,000 through similar events prior to this year’s ride and with this year’s target achieved the team have reached new heights!
Charity President, David Brace OBE further commented; “As the charity is self funded I really cannot express my gratitude to the team, and all others, who work tirelessly on these events making this fantastic charity run. Having experienced prostate cancer myself I can speak from experience when I say it’s a scary reality to be faced with. When receiving the diagnosis and knowing the work we are doing here directly benefits Welsh men going through the same is a massive inspiration to me.”
Through the charity’s hard work and contributions Wales, via a single centre in Cardiff, now has access to robotic urological surgery – widely accepted as providing improved outcomes for patients. The charity helps train surgeons to operate using the robotic equipment, creates educational resources and opportunities for medical professionals and students and is committed to raising awareness of prostate disease across Wales.