A FORDINGBRIDGE company has raised a whopping £22,500 for Prostate Cancer UK in one event.

Cyclists saddled up to raise vital funds for research for prostate cancer after Fordingbridge-based UK Cycling Events Ltd adopted the charity as its chosen national charity for the second consecutive year.

The Wiggle No Excuses Sportive was held across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, attracting more than 2,000 riders.

While the event was free to enter, those who booked a place on this high-demand event and did not turn up were charged £30, with all fees going to Prostate Cancer UK.

Some riders also choose to donate more money as a thank you for an enjoyable day of cycling and the event raised £22,500 to support more men with prostate cancer.

Martin Barden, of UK Cycling Events, said he was delighted to continue the association with Prostate Cancer UK and was thrilled to have been able to contribute so much money from one event.

He said: “We hope to raise awareness of prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men in the UK, and encourage people to talk about it, and everyone who rides in any of our events is invited to raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity. Our events make fantastic sponsorship challenges and sponsorship packs are readily available.”

Riders can raise money for Prostate Cancer UK in any of the rides organised by UK Cycling Events in 2014. Every rider who raises £200 or more will receive a fundraising cycle jersey.

Mark Bishop, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Prostate cancer kills 10,000 men every year in the UK. That’s one man every hour.

“We encourage anyone keen on cycling to help make a difference to men by signing up and taking part in one of the 50-plus Super Series events still to take place this year.

“We are incredibly grateful to all riders that raised funds for the charity and took part in the Wiggle No Excuses Sportive. Our thanks also go to UK Cycling Events, who are providing a fantastic opportunity throughout our partnership to raise essential funds that will help us support more men with prostate cancer, provide vital information and find answers by funding research into causes and treatments.”