Cancer Survivor to Ride for Charity

News release

3rd May 2013

A director of one of the leading farmers’ buying groups in the UK who survived testicular cancer will cycle to Paris to raise money for the condition.

Andrew Buckley, 48, who sits on the board at Woldmarsh, based in Louth, Lincolnshire, will ride 310 miles from London to Paris this month in aid of Orchid, a charity which offers support and information to people affected by male cancer.

Andrew, an arable and fish farmer who is the farm director for Lockwood Estates at Scampton, suffered from testicular cancer in his 30s and went through a gruelling course of radiotherapy before being given the all-clear. He has now joined a team of nine other riders, including fellow Woldmarsh member Julian Anyan, on the cycle challenge after deciding the time was right to help raise money and awareness for the condition.

He explained: “I was always a very active person, working on farms and involved in sports – then in 1996 I got my diagnosis out of the blue, which was a huge shock. I’d never expected it, but suddenly had to deal with this disease.

“Luckily, I came through it okay, but there are many people who don’t. This is my chance to help in some way to support the research and support which is available for men who now find themselves in the position I was in.

“The training has been difficult – I’ve never done anything like this before, and I’m not even an avid bike rider. But the big thing for me is that this is something I’ve never done, so I thought I should try to push myself for such a good cause.”

The ride will take place over four days and will start on 8th May from London. Donations currently stand at more than £2,500, with the team from Woldmarsh, which is a farmer-owned agricultural group, contributing to the pot.

Andrew reached a milestone of riding 104 miles in one go – around the same distance he will need to cover on several of the days – for the first time just a few weeks ago. He said the money and support he received early in the new year spurred him into action.

“Woldmarsh has been very supportive of the ride, encouraging me with support and donations, which I’m very grateful for,” added Andrew. “I am working hard to get ready for the ride. Hopefully we’ll raise lots of money for Orchid as they specialise in all sorts of male cancers, and I wanted to raise awareness of everything.”

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Buckley1

Ends

Notes to editors:

About Woldmarsh

• Woldmarsh was formed in 1961 and now boasts more than 800 members nationwide from Lincolnshire and Yorkshire to the Isle of Wight. It traded £112 million of goods and services last year.
• The membership policy is closely governed to ensure Woldmarsh represents those in the farming sector which share its views and ethos.
• The organisation is able to source competitively priced products from suppliers for farmers, allowing members to enjoy a stronger negotiating position than that of a single farmer.
• It is a ‘one stop shop’ for agricultural products and services, staffed by purchasing and industry professionals, who hold either formal qualifications or boast strong industry experience.
• Woldmarsh is a not-for-profit organisation and all rebates are returned to members.
• For more information about Woldmarsh or becoming a member, please visit www.woldmarsh.com or call 01507 602396.

About Orchid:

• Formed in 1996 by former testicular cancer patient Colin Osborne, Orchid is the only UK registered cancer charity to focus entirely on the male-specific cancers: prostate, penile and testicular.
• The charity offers support and information to people affected by or interested in male cancer through a dedicated medical research programme, education and awareness campaigns and a range of support services.
• For more, visit www.orchid-cancer.org.uk

Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
07985 143990
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @CerriDelaney

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