Pictured: Jason Dibble (left) with Mike Kelly, preparing for
the 140km bike ride in aid of the Prostate Cancer Charity
A Rugeley estate agent took to his bike and cycled 140km to help
raise £1,500 for a charity which had cared for one of his
staff during a serious illness.
Jason Dibble, partner at Chase Independent, trained for more
than six months in preparation for the Prostate Cancer Charity Tour
Ride 2011, which took him all around Staffordshire on a single
day.
The 40-year-old was spurred on by the care his sales negotiator,
Mike Kelly, had received courtesy of the charity, when he fell ill
with prostate cancer almost three years ago.
Mr Kelly, now aged 63, underwent radical prostectomy surgery at
North Staffordshire Hospital, followed by a course of radiation
treatment. He is now in remission, receiving annual check-ups to
chart his progress.
Mr Dibble, who runs the business with wife, Michele, said he had
been in awe of the treatment and care Mike received, for a disease
which affects so many men, and which can be so devastating if not
caught in time.
"I turned 40 in February and wanted to do something to mark it
that would test me, but help do some good too," he explained.
"Mike undoubtedly went through hell with cancer, but thanks to
the Prostate Cancer Charity, he got through it, and thankfully, has
his life back. I want to thank staff, customers, family and friends
who have all been so generous and supportive, and helped me raise
so much."
Mr Kelly, who lives in Hixon with his wife, Janet, has worked at
Chase Independent for four years.
"The support I received from the team at Chase Independent was
amazing and I can't express how grateful I am for that help, which
didn't just get me through this, but Janet too," he said.
A keen actor before his illness, Mr Kelly has appeared in a
number of programmes as an extra, and is now looking forward to
resuming his acting again.
"I'm thrilled Jason helped raise so much money. These
events provide funds that really do help to save lives, and just
raising awareness of this disease, and warning men to get checked
out, is a huge boost to the charity," he added.