DURING 2017 Keith Houghton was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Unlike his father who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer almost 10 years ago, his condition was caught early because he had asked for a prostate-specific antigen or PSA test.
This revealed that he was at risk and has been monitored over the last five years. During 2017 it was confirmed he had the disease.
“I am lucky, because I have been diagnosed early I have more treatment options open to me,” said Keith. “That’s why I am doing these bike rides this year, not just to raise money but also raise awareness that men over 50 should insist on getting their PSA levels checked. This simple blood test can save lives.”
During 2018, he plans to ride in more than 33 events across the UK and Europe. These events include a number of high-profile national and international events including Football to Amsterdam, London to Geneva, Coast to Coast in a Day, The Tour of Wessex and the Fred Whitton Challenge. He will also be completing 10 local events in the East Midlands. These rides range in size from a few hundred riders up to more than 10,000 riders on closed roads.
“I did London to Paris last year and had a great time, meeting some great people riding for some fantastic charities,” said Keith.
“This year I will be riding from London to Geneva with a day’s rest in Paris to watch the end of the Tour de France and hopefully see Chris Froome win again.”
As part of the campaign Keith’s team are looking to get local business to support their work. Support can simply be liking the Facebook page and sharing the challenge with others. They are also looking for financial support. Keith is self-funding all the events and all donations will go to Prostate Cancer UK.
To raise money they are also planning to run a number of social events, the first of these is a launch event on the 17 March at the Red Lion, Rothwell. The team are looking for donations for prize draws and auctions.
“But above all, if you can just get people you know over 50 to get their PSA level checked that will make all the hard work and training worthwhile,” added Keith.
You can also find out more details of what is going on at the challenge Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kezqb2018/.