World Championship Winning Cyclist Visits MIRA’s Full Scale Wind Tunnel
Rob Hayles is leading the fight against male cancerRob Hayles, a three-time Olympic medallist and double Track World Champion recently visited MIRA as part of a campaign to raise awareness for male cancer and to reduce the embarrassment surrounding male bodily functions. Braving cold winds of up to 40mph, the former Team Pursuit and Madison event rider bared all and in support of Near Naked Man, a charity actively involved in encouraging men of all ages, cultures, religions and sexualities to recognise the early warning signs of prostate cancer and to encourage them to get tested.
“It’s a simple message, if you know the symptoms of prostate cancer and it’s detected early it’s highly likely you’ll get through it.”
said Glen Morley, one of the charity’s four trustees.
“I’d encourage everyone to get involved in our fundraising events. We have great fun, we meet some great people and there are some amazing stories out there. I also commute to work in my Near Naked suit, it really gets people talking and I really miss it when I can’t wear it. It’s like a drug!”
After filming in MIRA’s wind tunnel for the BallsOutChallenge – one of the many fundraising events organised by Near Naked Man, Rob Hayles explained how he came to be involved with the organisation and why he thought the charity was so appealing.
“I was approached by Patrick Cox (CEO of the Male Cancer Awareness Campaign) earlier in the year and it was very hard to not become involved. He’s very persuasive man, his tireless work and determination to raise the awareness of diseases such as prostate cancer is really inspiring.
“I also chose to become involved with Near Naked Man because the charity is doing a great job in raising the awareness of issues such as prostate cancer. I was also really impressed with the fact that they get women involved in their activities as well as men. Cancer affects everyone at the end of the day and it doesn’t differentiate between colour, sexuality or religion. It has no barriers and it’s important to remember that.”
Patrick Cox, the driving force behind Near Naked Man, summed up the charity’s appeal.
“There’s a real community behind our initiative. It’s not just aimed at men, there are also a lot of women who like to participate too. We offer special naked suits for the ladies and all the suits come in three different colours, after all cancer can affect people from all ethnicities and backgrounds.”
