Anthony Maclean

Why I am Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

This year I am again riding in the DGR - The Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride. It's a men's charity ride, a bit of fun, with a serious message, raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember.

I've ridden before, but this year I am amping up my fundraising. A number of you know I raised funds for the Mental health Foundation a few years back on my first half-marathon. 

That was triggered by me approaching 50, feeling out of shape and a little flat, and also I had the gnawing feeling that as I approached the age that my father passed away I should do something to basically change things for the better.

My father took his own life aged 52. He was of course old school, and I only got a sense that something was troubling him deeply the week before. His life had taken a series of knocks, and his resilience had gone. I was alarmed, but I didn't realise how bad things were for him. We spoke often, but we never really spoke about what mattered. 

So I started running, at first with my wife. And when you haven't run for 30 years or so, its tough!

Running for me has been transformational. Those who know me well know I typically run four times a week, rain or shine, no matter where I am, home or abroad. It is my coping mechanism. It keeps me fit, it keeps me energised and it helps me cope. 

This year I am aiming to raise $500, a modest amount, and I don't even have to train! 

So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.

Every $5 or $10 matters. If you can support Movember by supporting me I would really appreciate it. 

Lastly, May is an interesting time to be on 2 wheels. Sometimes it's amazing weather, sometimes it is wet and cold. But at least I am not trying to run 21kms in winter, and the weather here will never be like my first motorbike ride on the road in the ice in winter in Halifax. It's the least I can do. My dad used to ride in his youth too.