Ian Gregory, as part of his 2019 cycling challenge for Prostate Cancer UK, will be taking part in the World Naked Bike Ride. Read on for details of how you can show your support. Ed
In his 50th birthday year, Islander Ian Gregory has set himself somewhat of a huge mileage target in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, some 11,680 miles, that’s one mile for each and every man who will lose his battle with prostate cancer in 2019. Every 45 minutes of every day, of every week and every month, one man is lost to this cancer and another family is devastated.
Two very special rides
Ian has many rides lined up this year and events to help him reach this target however there are two rather special rides Ian will be taking on in early June.
They are not very long rides, so the mileage for them each wont amount to much but Ian hopes they will make a huge impact and impression on as many men as possible out there.
World Naked Bike Ride
On 7th June, Ian will leave the Isle of Wight and cycle the 90 or so miles up to London once again in preparation for the next day’s ride, a naked ride, yes you did hear me correctly, naked, where Ian will bear all in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
The World Naked Bike Ride London will take place in the afternoon of 8th June starting from six locations around the city and consisting of around 1300 riders.
The aims of the WNBR is to promote a cleaner environment, safer roads, a healthier lifestyle and better attitudes.
The event’s route has yet to be published, however typically it works its way through some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Trafalgar Square where the streets will be packed full of tourists, shoppers and I dare say some very puzzled onlookers.
Riders taking part in the event are of all ages, shapes and sizes and will undoubtedly cause a bit of a stir as they work their way totally naked around London’s busy roads.
Worth it if one man gets checked
Participants also use this event to promote the cause they feel passionately about and this is why Ian is braving the embarrassment and taking part.
As Ian puts it himself,
“If I can overcome my embarrassment of riding naked through London and Brighton, then maybe somewhere out there a guy can overcome his embarrassment of seeing a doctor and asking for a prostate exam.”
Then onto Brighton
Once the London ride has finished, Ian hopes to have enough time to then ride the 60 plus miles down to Brighton, (fully dressed), to then take part in the WNBR Brighton that will take place in the afternoon of the 9th June, (date to be confirmed).
Where once again Ian will strip and bear all in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Once the ride is over Ian will stay overnight and then ride the 60 miles back home to the Isle of Wight.
Upping his game
Fundraising here on the Isle of Wight is getting more difficult each year for Ian and his wife Jacky, as most Islanders who see the IOW Prostate Cancer UK stall see Ian pedalling some huge mileage each time and as such it has become the norm.
So Ian now has to up his game to be able to persuade Islanders to part with their hard-earned money and donate to such a worthy cause.
It’s only with the help of the general public and their donations that Prostate Cancer UK can fund the amazing research that is making the lives of sufferers much easier to cope with and will one day find the cure that will beat this cancer once and for all.
How to support
You can make a donation in a number of ways, online via Just Giving, via Facebook, in person at one of our events or you can send a cheque direct to the IOW Prostate Cancer UK group by calling Ian on 07557 52 56 20 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
Love Cabaret
The next event in aid of Prostate Cancer UK on the island is ‘Love Cabaret’ at the Wight Rock in Ryde on 16th February.
This show is being put on and organised by The Cabaret Charity Club where money raised from the night will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK.
You can find out more information on all the events listed using the following links;
