From the operating theatre to life on two wheels

A LEADING surgeon is preparing to complete a hat trick of challenges to help fight cancer.

Three years ago, Philip Charlesworth completed the

London Marathon before undergoing a two-mile swim in London’s Serpentine last year.

These events raised more than £2,400 for male cancer charity Orchid, and the Children with Cancer charity.

Next month, he will take place in RideLondon, a 100-mile bike ride from London to Essex - and he’s set his sights on collecting at least £10,000 for Prostate Cancer Research.

The three events are collectively known as the London Classics, three gruelling events that push even the strongest of competitors.

And Philip has a good understanding of why his efforts will be worth it: his day job is a consultant urological surgeon for independent cancer care provider, GenesisCare and The Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who specialises in prostate and bladder cancers.

Since completing his surgical training nine years ago, he has seen first-hand the importance of promoting research, carried out by institutions such as Prostate Cancer Research, that contributes to major treatment breakthroughs and innovation.

“I spend most of my week performing stressful and complex operations,” he says.

“I’ve also seen first-hand how important the work of organisations such as Prostate Cancer Research is in working tirelessly with world-leading scientists to deliver vital breakthrough medicines and treatments for those with prostate cancer.

“Due to the nature of my job, exercise is important to me for both my physical and mental health, and what I witness working in this field has been a major motivator to channel that into fundraising attempts. Not only that, but as we know, exercise is proven to help reduce your risk of prostate cancer.”

He adds: “My aim is to raise £10,000 for Prostate Cancer Research – and every penny of support will make a huge difference in raising awareness around the issue and help develop potentially lifesaving treatments, which will improve the outlook for patients and their families.”

Training for the events hasn’t been without its challenges, as Philip fell from his bike at high speed during the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw him fracture his collar bone. This hasn’t hindered him continuing to treat patients, it did mean he had to take a step back from his training regime while he recovered, and he has only recently been able to get back in the saddle – giving him just a few months to progress from 0 to 100 miles.

Philip’s training partner, Graeme Williams, is married to a busy local GP who is also riding in support of Prostate Cancer Research.

The two friends hope to make a difference and raise vital funds for research as well as raise awareness of prostate cancer.

To support Philip in his fundraising, log on to JustGiving. com and search for Philip Charlesworth & Graeme Williams RideLondon 2022