A host of stars from the worlds of screen, music, business and
sport saddled up in central London today to warm the tracks for the
Pro cyclists ahead of the final stage of the Tour of Britain today
(18 September).
Michelle Dewberry, of BBC1's The Apprentice fame and 80s singing
legend Gary Kemp headed the line up, joining hundreds of others in
'uniting by cycling' to support the Charity.
The exhilarating 20km ride - part of an official stage of the Tour
of Britain - took cyclists on a route past some of the most iconic
landmarks in the capital whilst raising funds to help The Prostate
Cancer Charity fight the most common cancer in men in the UK.
More than 700 cyclists, of all ages, took advantage of the closed
roads and joined the celebrities to take part in the ride and raise
vital funds for prostate cancer.
Entrepreneur and former Dragon's Den judge, Richard Farleigh,
said: "I absolutely loved the ride - it was really good fun. There
was an amazing camaraderie between the riders and there was
something for everybody; young and old, serious and not so
serious!"
Business whizz, Michelle Dewberry, added: "It was a really
enjoyable ride and a brilliant day out. It's a great way for people
to get into cycling and it was fantastic to see so many families
out there riding together. Prostate cancer is an important cause
and this was a great way to raise awareness of it."
Eighties pop legend Gary Kemp said: "It was wonderful on traffic
free roads of my home city London, especially with my wife and two
sons riding alongside me. My seven year old even thought he was
Mark Cavendish! I cycle a lot and to be part of the Tour Ride was a
great privilege. It was a brilliant day for all involved and for
such a great cause too."
Champion alpine skier, Chemmy Alcott, said: "It was fantastic to
be part of the Tour Ride. Raising awareness and funds for prostate
cancer was a really good reason to get involved. It was such a
proud achievement to take part."
Long time supporter of The Prostate Cancer Charity and star of
Eastenders, Rudolph Walker, completed the ride for the third year
in row and said: "It was exhausting but enjoyable! I was really
encouraged by the crowds throughout the route and felt so proud to
be part of it. I always do what I can to help the charity and I
really hope the message is getting through to people."
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, said:
"Everyone who got on their bikes today is helping the Charity fight
this disease on every front. We are here to fund research, raise
awareness and address inequalities. All those who took part today
are showing their commitment to supporting us in this activity to
improve the lives of the 250,000 men affected by this
disease.
"I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the
participants, including our celebrity supporters, who led the way
in uniting people by cycling behind this cause."
Following today's event there is one remaining Tour Ride in
Stoke on Sunday 25th September.