Northamptonshire cyclist’s  challenge for prostate cancer In 2017, Keith Houghton from Rushton was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Unlike his father who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer almost 10 years previously, his condition was caught early as he had asked for a prostate-specific antigen or PSA test.  This revealed that he was at risk and was monitored for five years before it was confirmed he had the disease.

Keith was lucky because he was diagnosed early and had more treatment options open to him.  That is also why he started doing bike rides, not just to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK but also raise awareness that men over 50 should insist on getting their PSA levels checked, especially if there is a family history.  This is a simple blood test that can save lives.

During 2018, Keith has ridden in more than 40 events across the UK and Europe including Football to Amsterdam, London to Geneva, Coast to Coast in a Day, The Tour of Wessex, The Dragon Ride and the Fred Whitton Challenge.  He also completed ten local events in the East Midlands area.  He has cycled 4,357 miles in total and raised over £7,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

One of the highlights of 2018 was London to Genève with a day’s rest in Paris to watch Geraint Thomas win the Tour.  Keith has selffunded all the rides and all donations have gone to Prostate Cancer UK; he has had fantastic support from friends helping with social events plus support from Rockingham Forest Wheelers, the cycle club Keith is a member of.

Keith is not planning to stay still in 2019; he is set to complete Land’s End to John O’Groats plus a few other rides to continue to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK but also for the Dave Rayner Fund who support young cyclists trying to become professionals.

 You can find out more details of what is going on at the challenge by visiting:  www.facebook.com/kezqb2018 and www.keithscyclingchallenge.org