Mr Philip Charlesworth supports Prostate Cancer Research by completing the London Classics

Supporting research which helps develop potentially lifesaving treatments for prostate cancer patients is a cause that Mr Philip Charlesworth is passionate about.

As a Consultant Urological Surgeon for GenesisCare and The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Philip specialises in prostate cancer and bladder cancer and spends most of his week performing complex robotic operations, which is often quite stressful.  In his role as Chairman of the specialist MDT overseeing the diagnosis and treatment of all Prostate Cancer patients in the south Thames Valley, he sees first-hand how important the work of organisations such as Prostate Cancer Research is, in tirelessly supporting world-leading scientists to deliver vital breakthrough medicines and treatments for those with prostate cancer.

Due to the nature of his job, physical exercise is important for both his physical and mental health and as we know, it’s also proven to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Philip is using this and what he witnesses in his work, as a motivator to raise funds for various cancer charities by taking part in the London Classics.

The London Classics comprises three iconic events. To be awarded the London Classics medal participants must run the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon, swim two miles in the Swim Serpentine event and cycle the 100 miles of the RideLondon-Essex 100.

Philip completed the London Marathon in 2019 and swam the Serpentine in 2021 raising over £2,400 for charities Orchid and Children with Cancer. He is now aiming to raise £10,000 for Prostate Cancer Research by competing in his third London Classics event which will see him set off on a 100-mile bike ride from London to Essex in May.

Every penny he raises will make a huge difference in increasing the awareness of prostate cancer and helping to develop major treatment breakthroughs and innovations, which he has seen the benefits of over the last 10 years since he has been a consultant specialising in prostate cancer.

With only a few months to go, Philip has had his challenges. He fell off his bike at high speed and fractured his collarbone. He then went on to sustain a stress fracture of his hip. None of these setbacks stopped his determination to continue treating his cancer patients, or preventing him from completing the London Classics, which he aims to do in May 2022.

Philip is being joined on the bike ride by his friend Graeme Williams, who as a keen cyclist has helped and supported Philip with the long hours of training required. Graeme is married to a busy local GP and will also raising money for Prostate Cancer Research.

Find out more about Philip and Graeme’s fundraising goal.

We’re thrilled to have Philip as part of #TeamPCR now that RideLondon is back for 2022! With his background Philip understands the impact prostate cancer has on the lives of men, their friends and their families. We wish Philip & Graeme the best of luck in their challenge and fundraising efforts”

Amy Russell, Events and Community Manager, Prostate Cancer Research