An 11-strong team, comprising men and one woman from Gripple UK and Loadhog, set off from Sheffield in the pouring rain and 12 hours later cycled into sunny ‘Skeggy’ almost 100 miles away, raising almost £5,000 for a male specific cancer charity.
Orchid is the UK’s leading charity fighting on behalf of men affected by male cancer – prostate, testicular and penile cancer. It was established by testicular cancer patient, Colin Osborne MBE and the oncologist who saved his life, Professor Tim Oliver. Orchid exists to save men’s lives from male cancer through a range of support services, education and awareness campaigns and a pioneering research programme.
Rebecca Porta, Orchid chief executive, said: “I would like to personally thank the team from Gripple UK and Loadhog for all of their fundraising and for raising awareness, both of Orchid and of male cancers. Orchid would not be able to provide our support services, deliver education and awareness campaigns as well as continuing research without wonderful supporters like this team.”
The Gripple and Loadhog team members were inspired to make this joint - and often painful - effort in aid of Orchid by one of their colleagues, Karl Kennard who had suffered testicular cancer. The bike ride was suggested for a bit of a joke but in a week it was organised.
He said: “We wanted a charity that was important to us and not as well known or funded as others. Orchid was picked as a male cancer research and awareness charity in need of funds to enable it to promote and educate about male cancer. They were over the moon about the cycle ride and we keep in regular contact with Orchid and hope that as many people as possible will visit www.orchid-cancer.org.uk “
