The hairy (faced) bikers
Movember mob hit the streets to highlight men’s health issues
DRider Mark Bradley ad Ben Bowers says he is championing men’s health issues after his testicular cancer led to clinical depression and then a marriage split.
Ben, 38, is a global innovation lead for the Movember Foundation – the official charity partner of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
His problems began when he was 26 and working as a headhunter in London.
Ben, of West Byfleet, Surrey, said: “I had a dull ache for a few days which grew progressively more painful. I saw my GP and within two weeks had been referred to Salisbury General Hospital and operated on.
“They caught it early. I was in and out in a morning and didn’t need further treatment, with monthly checks to make sure it didn’t return.
“Three years later, I found a lump on my remaining testicle. Me and my fiancee were given time to conceive naturally before it was removed.
“Luckily, it worked. But then I got back from honeymoon with a pregnant wife and was made redundant. I call 2010 my annus horribilis.
“I had an operation to remove my remaining testicle at Southampton General Hospital. This time the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes so I needed four months of chemotherapy.
“I recovered well physically but my biggest struggle has been my mental health. My low point was halfway through the chemotherapy.
“I felt broken. I contemplated giving up on the chemo and taking my chances with cancer, which was ridiculous but indicative of my mental health at the time. I reached rock bottom again and was diagnosed with clinical depression four years ago when my marriage broke down. When the doctor asked me if I had suicidal thoughts, I realised how serious it was.
“I had counselling and anti-depressants and, thankfully, came out the other side.
“I have a new partner, Holly, and a great relationship with my daughter Daisy, now seven. I could even have A host of bikers hit London today for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, highlighting men’s health. Three riders tell us why they are taking part...
dren through IVF because is on ice. I have testosterone and blood tests and no e anti-depressants. erience has made me hugely te about championing ons around mental health. ide is a great way to bring ether. I’ll be on a Harleydavidson Sportster... it’s black with a bit of red pinstriping on it, so I’ll need to co-ordinate my outfit!”
Ben’s sentiments were echoed by Mark Bradley, 55, who has stage four incurable bowel cancer.
The businessman, from East London, said: “I was told in March it had spread and that, with chemo, my life expectancy was 18-20 months. I accept it for what it is and I’m not letting it defeat me.
“The bike ride is a great cause. The more we can do to highlight the symptoms of male cancers, the better.”
The ride is not restricted to men and lawyer Stefania Schito, 43, from South East London, is taking part to honour her dad Carlo, who died from cancer in April at the age of 77.
Stefania, who has already raised more than £10,000, said: “Today will be emotional but it’s so important to support men through prostrate cancer.
“I thought this would be a nice way to pay tribute to Dad – and easier than growing a Movember moustache!”