Carl prepares to take on 100 mile cycling challenge in memory of his dad
Carl Burkitt, from West Bromwich, is preparing to take on Velo Birmingham & Midlands 2020, the 100 mile closed-road cycling event, in memory of his dad, Alan, who passed away in June 2017.
This is the first time that Carl will be taking on such a long distance in one day, and he is hoping that his cycling exploits will inspire people to support him and donate to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity.
Carl said: “My dad passed away in June 2017, and I was inspired to take on Velo Birmingham & Midlands in memory of him. As soon as I saw that the event was taking place on Father’s Day, I knew that I just had to take part! He will be behind me pushing me along as I go.”
Carl pictured with his dad, Alan, on his wedding day.
Alan was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphatic Leukaemia back in 2002 after his GP noticed that he had a blood infection. He began treatment and two years later was diagnosed with prostate cancer, going on to be treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by Mr Alan Doherty, Consultant Urological Surgeon.
Alan was cured of the prostate cancer, and Carl said: “We will be forever grateful to the team at the QE for the treatment that they gave to my dad for his prostate cancer. The treatment he had extended his life and gave us all years more memories with him, in particular memories of him with my son, Sam.”
Alan with his grandson, Sam.
Alan passed away in June 2017 and, nearly three years on, Carl is raising money to support the prostate cancer fund within QEHB Charity. The Charity has recently funded a brand new mobile health van, referred to as the Man Van, which will be going out into the community to empower men to talk about their health, and in particular their prostate health.
Sadly in 25% of cases men are only diagnosed with prostate cancer when it is too late to treat. The Man Van will be going out into the community and workplaces, giving men the opportunity to book an appointment where they can have a chat with a clinician, answer a questionnaire about their health and family history, and have a finger prick blood test.
By the end of the appointment, the clinician will be able to refer the man on for further checks should they deem it necessary.
Carl said: “I’m really pleased to be able to raise funds for the Man Van; it is going to make a massive difference in the way that we talk about prostate cancer. As the son of someone who had prostate cancer I know that I need to go and get myself checked. As men, we’re rubbish at talking to each other about these things and it’s important to change that.”
Carl works in the centre of Birmingham, and cycles the 17 mile round trip from his home in West Bromwich every day. He said: “It’s all part of my preparation for Velo. At the age of 47 I’m the healthiest that I ever have been, having lost over five stone. This is going to be a great challenge to show how far I’ve come; I only took up cycling a year ago!”
Carl will be one of the hundreds of QEHB Charity riders taking part in Velo Birmingham & Midlands and is looking forward to joining the training rides led by the Charity’s cycling ambassador, Phil Upton.