Two Brentford fans have raised more than £4,000 after completing a unique two day Total Football themed, 155 mile cycle challenge from London to Amsterdam last weekend.
The challenge raised money for Prostate Cancer UK, the charity that supports the 250,000 men living with prostate cancer across the UK and funds research to find a cure.
The ride saw supporters, players and club officials from across The Football League pedal from capital to capital, raising money for the charity, the Football League’s partner charity for the 2012/13 season.
Brentford supporters Mark Burridge and Richard Emment represented Brentford Football Club on the trip and made it all the way.
They left Wembley Stadium last Friday, June 14, and arrived in Amsterdam the following day.
The Brentford duo had a very eventful first day, covering an additional 15 miles after following the wrong path.
Richard also suffered a nasty crash in Ilford which left him with a broken chain.
Fortunately, he was fit to resume and it happened within yards of a cycle shop, so after an hour of repairs and part fittings he was ready to resume the journey to Harwich.
The boys covered 110 miles on Day 1 and, despite the dramas, made the destination in plenty of time.
They were, however, exhausted - Richard has been cycling with a club for the last 12 months but had never covered more than 50 miles in a day before whilst Mark had not been on a bike since 2000 before he started training for this challenge, two weeks before it started.
The second day of 60 miles to Amsterdam along the picturesque coastline was easier for the pair. Despite heavy thunderstorms at the start for 15 miles, the sun eventually came out and a decent following wind with friendly cycle paths allowed for good speeds for the boys, who both worked their way through to finish within five hours.
Mark said: "We were delighted to take part in the challenge as Brentford’s representatives and Richard and I have been so grateful for the support from Bees fans with donations for Prostate Cancer UK and messages along the way.
"Despite only entering the challenge two weeks before the start, with the generous help of Brentford fans we can proudly say that we are leading fundraisers for Prostate Cancer UK from the ride, which allowed us to wear The Orange Jersey at the start.
“The donations currently stand at £4,300 and we hope to be at £5,000 within the next two weeks, a magnificent effort by all those who have kindly supported the charity.
"We have seen donations from Brentford Football Club, ex-players, current players and fans, it has been amazing.
“Prostate cancer is set to become the most common form of the disease amongst men and all monies go to education and helping raise awareness.
"Our fund raising page is still open to accept donations to support the charity.”
To sponsor Mark and Richard via justgiving, click here.
There is also an option to donate by sending a text message - to give in this way send a text message with the words BEES52 and the amount to donate to 70070 (i.e. to donate £10 send BEES52 £10 to 70070).
Brentford Football Club donated £500 to the cause and all at Griffin Park would like to congratulate Mark and Richard for their fantastic achievement.
Mark and Richard are pictured above In Amsterdam with some of the other finishers, including former England striker Luther Blissett, who completed the ride.
Richard is in the bottom left of the picture while Mark is on the far right.