SOLENT RIDERS took the term charity drive to a whole new level on Sunday in a bid to raise £5 million for a gentlemanly cause.
The group of bikers were taking part in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, an international fundraising event in partnership with The Movember Foundation.
Event organiser Russ Gurney said: ‘As we drove through the check points, huge crowds were cheering us on. It was lovely to see so many people out to support us.’
Bikers set off in their finery, starting their mission at The Brewhouse & Kitchen in Southampton before travelling through Bursledon, Sarisbury Green, Warsash, Titchfield Haven, Lee on Solent, Stubbington, North Fareham, Portsdown Hill before finishing at Fort Purbrook.
Around 223 riders took part in the local fundraiser which raised a total of £15,598. The event spurred drives throughout the UK, helping to raise a total of £450,000 towards the international total.
At the end of the day, drivers parked up at the Peter Ashley Activity Centres, Fort Purbrook to enjoy some food, a well-earned drink and live music. The event is in its second year and is growing rapidly.
The team aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer and men’s health, as one of the group’s members died after suffering with depression. Russ said: ‘It’s our intent to focus on gents that have had a rough hand in life.’
THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE AND THE MOVEMBER FOUNDATION, WORKING TOGETHER TO TACKLE MEN’S HEALTH ISSUES.
Find out more at www.gentlemansride.com
Our focus is on gentlemen who have been dealt a tough hand in life. In particular, we raise funds for research into prostate cancer and mental health programs as part of our mission to support men’s health globally. These funds are invested by our partners the Movember Foundation, the world’s largest men’s health organisation.
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. The Movember Foundation is the largest funder of prostate cancer programs in the world. For more information on prostate cancer including symptoms, testing, treatment options and support resources, head over to the ‘your health’ section on Movember.com.
Too many men are toughing it out and struggling alone. There’s no shame in checking in your own mental wellbeing, and those close to around you. Our friends over at Movember have produced some handy guides, that might help take the sting out of broaching the subject.
[How to help your mates with the big things in life]
[How to speak to a mate who isn’t doing so well]
[How to try and move beyond feeling down yourself]
[How to support colleagues in your workplace who you don’t think are doing so well mentally]
Together, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and the Movember Foundation are breaking down these barriers that exist in men, but we need your help.
