Duo will cycle from London to Amsterdam to help raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK

Two staff from the Leyton Orient Trust will be taking part in Prostate Cancer UK’s Football to Amsterdam bike ride this weekend.

The event will see cyclists ride from London to Amsterdam, with the ride starting on Friday (June 9) and ending on Sunday (June 11).

Leyton Orient Trust chief executive Neil Taylor and Head of Health and Wellbeing Phillip Smith will both take part in the cycle.

The pair have raised nearly £1,500 for Prostate Cancer UK and will be representing the O’s on the trip.

Taylor, an Orient fan since 1991, was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer last year, but after undergoing an operation in June, was given the all clear in September.

The CEO is now keen to raise awareness and set up community testing to try and prevent more people losing their lives to cancer.

“My focus now is keeping fit and healthy and making the most of every opportunity including talking about my experiences and urging every male to get tested as you never know what is going on inside your body,” said Taylor via his JustGiving page.

“I spoke at the Football League Trust Conference in September about my experiences which was well received and am now focused on working with Errol (McKellar) and Prostate Cancer UK on raising awareness and setting up community testing as there really no excuse for not getting checked out.

“Waiting for the symptoms maybe too late to treat and manage effectively. Currently testing is not mandatory but there is growing evidence that younger men are getting it.”

Leyton Orient Trust’s Head of Health and Wellbeing Smith hadn’t rode a bike for 16 years before signing up for the Football to Amsterdam event in January, but is up for the challenge.

He has worked closely with Taylor for a lengthy period of time and will join his friend on the cycle to the Netherlands this weekend.

“In 2016 I found out that a work colleague had been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, but thankfully through early detection managed to be treated,” said Smith, via his JustGiving page.

“I’m doing this ride alongside Neil to help raise awareness and funds to ensure more men are aware of Prostate Cancer and get tested. I also need your help and encouragement to spur me on to completion.

“Please sponsor me to complete this feat and help support the prevention and treatment of Prostate Cancer.”

Smith has got back on his bike recently to prepare for the Football to Amsterdam event and you can sponsor him here - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leytonorientPCUKbikeride2017PS?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=leytonorientPCUKbikeride2017PS&utm_campaign=pfp-tweet