The Football to Amsterdam riders are almost under starters orders, but before they begin their epic ride from London to Amsterdam next month they are inviting fans, family, and friends to come down to their Charity Race Night at The Haven Arms in Ealing, tomorrow, 29th May, from 6pm. Brentford fans Graham Goodden, Adam Rontaler, and Roy Beckerson are representing the Club in the Football to Amsterdam 2016 cycle challenge. Riders representing Football League Clubs across the country will take part in the Challenge from 3-5 June, which will involve nearly 100 miles' cycling on the first day and 145 in total. The Football League hope more than £100,000 will be raised for Prostate Cancer UK, their official charity partner.
Roy is an IT Programme manager, and is looking forward to getting out on the bike again to complete the mammoth trek once more: “I thought it was brilliant last year,” said Roy. “I support Brentford and love cycling anyway; it’s a great cause and I keep fit. I cycle all year round anyway; I’m doing 30/40 miles over each weekend. It’s fantastic camaraderie and having some of the ex-players there was really good.”
Adam Rontaler works as a Relationship Manager and his motivation for taking part in the ride is close to home: "My motivation for doing it was because my father-in-law got prostate cancer,” said Adam. “Unfortunately he died last September and I thought what better way to remember him and raise money for prostate cancer than to do it again. Everyone knows I don’t do exercise, I’m not fit, but it’s all worth it because last year we raised £4,000 for the event and £6,000 in total. The more money we can raise and the more treatments Prostate Cancer UK can undertake will stop it in the early stages; if they can catch it early enough the survival rate is hugely increased.”
Graham Godden works at the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, completing the trio that will ride for charity. “As Roy mentioned, the camaraderie of the whole event is great,” said “Graham. “The first day is hard but overall it’s pleasurable. Adam asked if I would do it again and I agreed. Cancer can happen to us at any time. For men, it’s not a macho to get checked but it’s an easy procedure
One in eight men in the UK will get Prostate Cancer at some point in their lives with death rates predicted to soar over the next decade. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will go a long way to help this charity continue doing their incredible work to improve diagnosis, treatment, patient support and, ultimately, prevent this disease from taking lives.
You can donate to the cycle challenge via virginmoneygiving.com/team/adamandgraham