A support group for prostate cancer sufferers run by people with prostate cancer
Prostate Pedallers is a fun club composed of men affected by prostate cancer who want to keep active, re-learn and develop new cycling skills and improve fitness. We cycle every week, from Ashridge, Whipsnade and Harpenden, and cater for all ages and abilities.
We find that through our shared activities we create friendships, have fun, and become stronger physically and mentally which improves our experience.
A message from our founder, Charles
I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer having a PSA of 28.9 and a Gleason score of 9. Hormone and Radio-Tomotherapy followed but eventually ceased to be effective and I was put into ‘Palliative Care’.
So, I decided to do one big challenge whilst I could and planned a cycle ride from the Channel to the Mediterranean (over 1,000 miles and 40,000 ft. of climbing). I worked at getting cycling fit and learned proper cycling technique. Then, I had a very lucky meeting which resulted in the chance of radical prostatectomy using the ‘Da Vinci’ robot.
Given the opportunity of surgery I found that I could not abandon my plan to cycle across France. It had become too important to me. I realised that it had given me new purpose, something big to plan and occupy my mind with an achievable challenge.
The astonishing improvement in physical and mental well-being that cycling brought to me coupled with the growing scientific consensus on the value of exercise for those with cancer, inspired me to start Prostate Pedallers and I hope that Prostate Pedallers can inspire you too.
"When you have prostate cancer your choices are limited to accepting whatever therapies you are offered. One way I can avoid being passive and fight back against cancer is to keep myself fit and active. Prostate Pedallers provides me with the motivation and opportunity to push myself physically and to become a better cyclist.”
Dave
"Meeting up and cycling with the Prostate Pedallers is a great experience. When you have prostate cancer, exercise is vital and you get a real sense of acheivement after each ride; it has definitley helped me get fitter and build stamina. It's a very relaxing atmosphere which enables us to speak openly and share our experiences ."
Ivan
