A CREWE businessman has raised more than £1,000 for Prostate Cancer UK after completing a gruelling 145 mile cycle from London to Amsterdam.

Mike Walsh, sales director at Eze Talk, joined hundreds of riders for the two-day journey, which set off from Olympic Park in Stratford and stretched to the Amsterdam Arena, home of Ajax FC.

Mike is fast approaching his target of £1,500, with the event in total raising £425,000 to improve treatment, diagnosis and prevention of prostate cancer.

Mike said: “Most people who know me will know cycling is not my natural sport. However I readily accepted this challenge because not only is it a great personal achievement, I am fundraising for such an important charity.

“This is a disease that cannot be ignored and it might well impact me or my friends and family in the future. “It was hard work but a fantastic event and I am looking forward to completing this again next year.”

Mike cycled as part of a team of three, along with Akin Fashola and Matt Withers.

Day one involved a six hour, 83 mile trip to Harwich, where riders caught a ferry to the start of the 62-mile leg at the Hook of Holland.

James Beeby, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re delighted that Mike has decided to join the fight against prostate cancer and ride to raise vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

“Ignoring prostate cancer will not beat it, and the money raised by our fantastic riders will fund ground-breaking research to help fight the disease. That will help us provide dedicated support and information to men and their families affected by this disease.

“Our amazing cast of riders from across the UK showed a brilliant demonstration of what we call Men United: people joining one team to fight a common opposition – prostate cancer.

One man every hour dies from prostate cancer, which affects one in eight UK men.

To support Mike in his efforts, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/MikeWalsh-eZeTalkLtd.