Sultan submariner finishes cancer cycling challenge
A ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINER from HMS Sultan celebrating after completing an epic three-hundred mile cycling challenge over the early May Bank Holiday weekend, which helped to raise funds of over £20,000 for the testicular cancer charity It’s in the Bag and increase awareness of the condition.
Commander Will King was among a group of eighteen riders who participated in “Le Tour de Balls Quatre Big Birthday Tour” to mark the charity’s tenth anniversary as an independent organisation from May 3 to May 5. The route started at Westward Ho! in North Devon and took participants through stunning South West landscapes; which were empathised by warmer spring weather that weekend.
Commander King, who serves within Royal Navy’s Marine Engineering Training Group, stated: “Taking part in this challenge was both physically demanding and incredibly rewarding. As military personnel, we understand the importance of regular health checks, and It’s in the Bag does vital work in promoting awareness of testicular cancer.”
He continued: “The camaraderie among the riders reflected the support this charity provides to men going through treatment. I’m proud to have contributed to such a worthy cause during their milestone anniversary year.”
The group have raised a total of £20,769 within two weeks of the challenge and Commander King has personally collected £1,344 for his efforts in the impressive charity challenge. Their fundraising page will stay open until December 31, 2025 for any donations from the public over the next seven months to help support the charity’s amazing work for men’s health.
Operating across the South West, It’s in the Bag focuses on three key aims: support for men diagnosed with testicular cancer, raising awareness about the importance of regular self-checks, and helping survivors navigate life after treatment.
The charity is run by survivors with support from specialist NHS staff with early detection being crucial to the cure rates; which are exceeding 98%, early detection is crucial, making the awareness aspect of the charity’s work particularly important.
The Le Tour de Balls event has become a significant fixture in the charity’s fundraising calendar, with this fourth edition being specially designated as a birthday celebration event. Funds raised will support the charity’s numerous initiatives that provide practical and emotional support to men affected by testicular cancer.
Readers can donate by clicking this link and following the instructions, whilst they can find out more information about It’s in the Bag and their work by visiting www.itsinthebag.org.uk.
PICTURED BY IT’S IN THE BAG: Commander Will King cycles three hundred miles in three days as part of a charity challenge for testicular cancer.
