‘3 Blokes on their bikes’ face world’s largest timed cycle race

Every year, the world’s largest timed cycle race, the Cape Town Cycle Tour, takes place in South Africa around the breath-taking scenic Cape Peninsula and as many as 35,000 cyclists take part in the 109 Km (68m) event.

This year, Hein Scheffer, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development and Kevin Baber, Chief Operating Officer at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, joined by their friend Darren Mugleston, will take part to raise money for the Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer, a cause extremely close to their hearts.

In 2013, at the age of 47, Hein was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer after a persistent increase in his PSA levels. The cancer was found after a third biopsy and was removed and he then had to undergo a series of radiation therapy. Hein has now been given the all clear. 

Darren’s family have also been touched by Prostate Cancer and after losing one uncle, another, Steve Barrett, also a keen cyclist, has received a clean bill of health, after his cancer was removed.

Hein said: “I recovered and regained my strength and fitness levels through cycling, something I never would have done if it wasn’t for Kevin’s persistence and Darren’s resolve to get me out on the road.

“Prostate Cancer has touched me and Darren’s family, so my friends and I are doing a charity ride, with the aim of raising funds for the Chestnut Appeal. This Prostate Cancer charity does excellent work in achieving better patient outcomes, supporting people with

Prostate Cancer and making the public aware of the need to talk about Prostate Cancer.”

The ‘3 blokes’ supported by Phil Hughes, Medical Director, did a 50m ride in Bristol on Sunday 1st February and were faced with snow, wind and some challenging hills, as final preparation before the big Cape Town Cycle Tour.

If you would like to support them and donate to the Chestnut Appeal, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/Hein-Scheffer/