Supporters of Sheffield Wednesday are being called to support one Owls fan who is taking on a 150-mile cycle challenge which starts today and finishes on Sunday, in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
Owls supporter, Chris Heeley, will be joining more than 150 members of the football family as they cycle from London to Amsterdam, wearing the charity’s orange jersey, in support of Prostate Cancer UK – The Football League’s long-term official charity partner.
Chris joins representatives from more than 50 clubs including, ex-England star Luther Blissett and other former players that have signed up for the exciting 150-mile challenge which hopes to raise £150,000 for the charity.
Port Vale Manager Micky Adams will also saddle up alongside former Republic of Ireland international striker Alan Lee and ex-Arsenal star Perry Groves, who will lead a contingent from radio station, talkSPORT.
Aside from the former professional contingent, people from the boardrooms to boot rooms, are also involved, with job titles ranging from sports scientists to scoreboard operators, not to mention a handful of club mascots.
Chris will represent the Owls on the charity ride, and by using pedal power to conquer the 150-mile challenge riders will be helping more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life.
One in eight men will be affected by prostate cancer and there are 250,000 men living with the disease in the UK.
Chris said: “I’m delighted to represent the Owls in this exciting adventure and at the same time raise money and awareness for an amazing cause.
“I’m calling on all Sheffield Wednesday supporters to help support me and raise money for the charity by donating via http://www.justgiving.com/chrisheeley”
The Grand Depart starts in East London, 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.
Andy Sallnow, Head of Events at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “The fact that there are more than 150 riders on the start line represents the incredible progress this event has made over the past 12 months and we are really grateful for all of the football league clubs and fans supporting the event with such enthusiasm.
“Almost 50 different football clubs will be represented on the ride, and we’re really looking forward to convening at Leyton Orient on 6 June for what’s set to be an unforgettable few days.
“Our unique ‘Orange Jersey’ will not only add a splash of colour as we make our way through 150 picturesque miles into The Netherlands, but will also work as a fundraising incentive, worn by the individual who leads the event in sponsorship raised.
“We look forward to the fans digging deep as those representing their club step on the pedals and raise money to combat a disease that kills one man every hour in the UK.”
Although the deadline for entrants for the 2014 event has passed, to register an interest for next year’s London to Amsterdam cycling challenge go to prostatecanceruk.org/Amsterdam.
Meanwhile, 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 click here
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 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday with late opening until 8:00pm on Wednesdays.
For more information, please contact Gary Haines, Sports PR Manager at Prostate Cancer UK, on 020 3310 7079 or at gary.haines@prostatecanceruk.org