Cyclists Wheel-in Charity Superboost

Jubilant Louth man Michael Armstrong – supported by friends Matt Corrigan and Simon Higgins – has raised more than £3,000 for a charity close to his heart ….and the money is still rolling in!

Michael, together with Matt (from Lincoln) and Simon (from Leicestershire), rose to the challenge of the Meridian Meander and cycled 158 miles over three days to raise cash for Prostate Cancer UK.

They followed a route which roughly traced the Meridian Line, from Louth to Greenwich, and celebrated the ride’s completion by popping their bikes on the “skytrain” – the Emirates Air Line cable car – and enjoying the 295 ft high, one kilometre journey over the River Thames.

Michael said: “I was a bit nervous at the start of the challenge, but we had a really wonderful ride through changing scenery. Taking the “skytrain” rounded off our challenge perfectly.

“I am absolutely blown away at the amount of money our ride has raised so far for Prostate Cancer UK. It is overwhelming. I’d like to thank Matt and Simon for joining me and everyone who has donated to my fundraising page: https://gofund.me/b0989e04

“I wanted to raise money for this charity because its work means so much to me.  I did this ride in memory of my brother Brian, who sadly died from prostate cancer, and because I am thankful to have been treated for it.

“Unfortunately, Brian ignored his symptoms. I had no symptoms and, having got checked after Brian died, I was given the “all clear.” However, a year later, I suddenly decided to get checked again and was sent straight for treatment.

“I ended-up having high dose brachytherapy treatment and three weeks of radiotherapy during lockdown!  Thank you, NHS, – I would just like to give something back,” said Michael.

“I really urge men everywhere to take prostate cancer seriously. Statistics reveal that one man dies from prostate cancer every in the hour in the UK and deaths from prostate cancer are expected to soar over the next decade.”

By finding better tests, better treatments, better prevention and better support Prostate Cancer UK aims to dramatically reduce the number of men dying from prostate cancer.