Five local cyclists recently joined up with Sue Brand, Chair of It’s in the Bag; a South-West based testicular cancer charity, to cycle Le Tour de Balls. This is a unique cycling event, which involved 24 cyclists riding 300 miles across the South West in three days during poor weather.

Sue recruited first time cyclist David East Jnr, from Parkend, who managed to get through the gruelling challenge for a good cause, despite admitting to feeling apprehensive about the challenge; he bought a bike this year and used it to cycle to work as practice.

He was helped by Matt Sluman, also from Parkend, who successfully lost half his body mass over the winter in order to get around. After the event, he joked that Greggs bakery was going to see an upturn in profits now this event has finished.

Dave Marfell had trained hard and said the greatest challenge was the last day, as saddle sores were becoming problematic. Dave, from Pontshill, is an established endurance athlete, having taken part in many Duathlon events, but for him this was the furthest he had ever cycled.

James Price from Weston under Penyard joined them and commented that he was very impressed with their enthusiasm and commitment.

The last local man, Kevin Vaughan from Parkend, made up the intrepid five who, under the watchful eye of Sue and her support team, managed to keep up with the other 11 cyclists and complete the gruelling journey.

So far the event has raised over £24,000 for testicular cancer, as well as awareness for the disease.

If you would like to sponsor the team, it’s not too late to donate, simply visit the following site:

everydayhero.co.uk/event/Tour-de-Balls2016.

It’s in the Bag is a Bristol-based charity offering hands on support to men across the South-West who have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, and their families. It also raises awareness of testicular cancer and the importance of regular self-checking.