Ultra Challenges
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Dave’s remarkable fundraising
Since Dave’s prostate cancer diagnosis, his love for cycling has been put on pause. With courage and determination, he is getting back on his bike this September to take on the 22-mile Foulness Bike Ride to fundraise for Guy’s Cancer Charity.
Introducing Dave
Dave Clark is a keen birdwatcher, ornithologist and cyclist. Since undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, Dave’s fitness has decreased, and it has been harder for him to stay active and do the things he loves. Before his diagnosis, Dave regularly took on long distance rides.
I’ve done some big challenges in the past, like the RideLondon-Surrey 100, and until 2023 I would regularly go out on 50-mile bike rides for fun.
Dave’s Diagnosis
Dave was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer after a routine blood test at the end of 2023 that led to further scans. Radiotherapy followed, and Dave continues to take ADT. Although the treatment is painless, tiredness is a common symptom which can gradually build up.
To help deal with the side effects of treatment, Dave has had physio in person and online to gradually built up his strength and general physical wellbeing. This was important for Dave so he could return to his active lifestyle which revolves around his love of birds.
“I do bird counts for the council and lead bird walks but after a while I stopped. The counts can be hours in the field sometimes, and with a walk we can’t just stop when I get tired. The fatigue made things very difficult but with support from physios I’ve built my strength back up and have the energy to continue the counts and walks. I’m now also back on the bike and training for the event although I can’t yet cycle the distances I used to.”
Now I am doing 10-12 mile bike rides again which is a big deal and I’m just really looking forward to it. I know on the day I will be happy to be raising money for this fantastic charity, and doing it alongside like-minded people cycling for their own great causes.
