One of our members, John Langley, is taking part in The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride on 6th September

We decided to find out how his training is going and what this ride means to him...

Have you ever done anything like this before?

I did something similar when I was a teenager; I think the distance was about twenty miles and it was to raise money for a church hall in the Cotswolds.

Why did you decide to take part in this race?

The subject is close to home - my dad had prostate cancer two years ago, had the required surgery and has made a full recovery. Prostate cancer is the biggest killer among men - one of us every hour - and it receives little attention. Much of the reason for events like these is to raise awareness, as early diagnosis and treatment are unsurprisingly intrinsically linked to a patient's chances of survival.

How is your training going?

Until a few weeks ago, I was training at British Military Fitness, but suffered an injury to my Achilles and have since been unable to run. Luckily for me though, I saw a physiotherapist, and whilst running is still out of the question, cycling got the all clear!

What's your current training routine?

To start off with, I've just been getting used to being in the saddle for extended periods of time. Not necessarily doing huge distances, just concentrating on keeping pedaling! Now I'm looking to extend distances as well as incorporating some hill training into my regime. The ride is around Stoke, which is apparently not as flat as London!

70km is quite a distance! Are you nervous?

I'm not worried about 70km. I know I can do it, particularly as I'm training as if I'm going to have to do 145km. I'd hate to raise the money and not be fit enough to do as I promised...

What will keep you going through the race?

Knowing that what I'm doing is raising money for a good cause. Knowing that the work carried out by this charity almost certainly contributed to my Dad making a full recovery from prostate cancer. I'll also be doing the ride in the memory of my friend Tim Jennings, who was tragically killed on 1st July after attending a fund-raising club night for people suffering from cancer.

Why do you think people exercise for charity?

For two reasons: one is selfish, the other selfless. The selfish one is that having a goal helps you achieve your personal goals with regards to fitness. You have something to work towards and something to spur you on in training. The selfless one is that people genuinely do want to help others and participating in an event like this can raise a substantial amount for their chosen charity.

Have you got plans to take part in any other races?

I haven't signed myself up for any other events yet, but I will be doing this ride again next year and might fit some more in in between!

If you raise your target of £1000, is it true you will do the ‘Pro Tour Ride', which is 145km?

Yes it's true, I'm a man of my word - if I raise the money I'll do the distance.

We wish John the best of luck, and if you would like to sponsor him, please click here.

For more information on Prostate Cancer, please click here.

For more information on The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride, please click here.