World in Motion staff and players have challenged themselves to ‘Cycle the 92’ – cycling the equivalent of the 2,416 miles that link the 92 professional football clubs that constitute The Premier League and the EFL.
The miles were made up by various staff members and some special guests riding either on road bikes (in compliance with government guidelines) or static bikes at home. The aim was to cycle approximately 300 miles per day, for eight days in order to complete the quest.
Coady and AFC Bournemouth’s Aaron Ramsdale jumped on their bikes. Boxer Joe Cordina rode from Swansea to Cardiff, while broadcaster Ray Stubbs clocked up miles virtually on the Anfield to Prenton Park leg.
Rugby stars Jonathan Davies and Mike Phillips have also shown their support, alongside golfer Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston and former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas.
Coady said: “Over the past couple of months I’ve been blown away by how incredible and brave the NHS staff have been, and I’m close to Prostate Cancer UK due to their involvement in football, so when I was asked by World in Motion to get involved and help raise money for charity it was an easy answer.
“I wanted to do a bit of the ‘virtual ride’ around the Wolverhampton leg. It was great to get out on the bike and do a few miles for a good cause. We have to find different ways of staying fit in these times, and I really enjoyed the ride.”
Wolves club doctor Matt Perry is among the 400,000 men in the UK living with, or after prostate cancer, which is now the most common cancer in men. One in eight men will be affected by the disease, with odds shortening to one in four if you are black.
“Stats like that are shocking. It really brings it home,” added Conor. “I know that Prostate Cancer UK have been involved in football for some time and the charity has made great steps forward in helping tackle the disease.
“No-one is immune to something like this, which is why the work that they do is so important. If football can play a role in helping charities and raising awareness of diseases like this then it’s a very positive thing.”
The defender also admitted he has an added appreciation for television legend Jeff Stelling, who has visited each of the four professional clubs Conor played for during his football career – Liverpool, Huddersfield Town, Sheffield United and Wolves – when raising more than £1m with his epic marathon March for Men walks for Prostate Cancer UK.
“Jeff is a legend,” added Conor. “I grew up watching him on TV on Soccer Saturday, and I think what he’s done with his charity work has been brilliant. As I’ve discovered this week, there’s a long way between all 92 clubs, so his charity walks are very impressive!
“The ‘Man of Men’ badge he wears every week has become an instantly recognisable badge now, and I think it’s been a great think to get Prostate Cancer UK recognised and supported.”
You can support the team on their quest at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/WorldinMotionFoundation.
Also, Prostate Cancer UK’s dedicated team of Specialist Nurses remain on hand to speak to and reassure men and their families currently affected by prostate cancer in the UK, and the implications of COVID-19. To speak to a specialist nurse or for more information call 0800 074 8383 or visit prostatecanceruk.org.
