About
The Ride
Chris Spin was an annual sponsored cycle ride in aid of the Prostate Cancer Charity and in memory of Chris Martindale. In 2017 Chris Spin regular Steve Ludlam passed away, and in 2019 another regular Nick Arkle also passed away. Since then the event has been held in memory of Chris, Steve and Nick.
The first ride, from Rotherham to the Hull side of the Humber Bridge, was held in 2005 in very hot weather. Subsequent rides have taken place in varying conditions (but invariable dry) in Lincolnshire, the Yorkshire Peak District and the Derbyshire Dales but all starting in or close to Sheffield. The ride was held every year since 2005, except 2020 (Covid) until 2022 with up to 50 riders taking part. 16 rides over 17 years!
It was a very sociable ride rather than a race, with an emphasis on renewing and building friendships. Initially starting with a group of friends, family and colleagues of Chris, it grew to include other keen cyclists from the Sheffield area.
The routes were always along quiet and beautiful country roads and there is a lunch stop, usually catered by supporters of the ride. Money was raised by participants and supporters for The Prostate Cancer Charity with the total raised to date at more than £25,000.
About Chris
Chris Martindale was an NHS Manager based in Rotherham and living in Crookes, Sheffield. Very sadly, he contracted prostate cancer at age 54 and died in 2005. Chris was a great friend and colleague to many people. He loved life, friends, music and was a keen cyclist. He completed three End to End rides (Land’s End to John O’Groats) and was a member also of the Rutland Cycling Club and the De Laune Cycling Club in South London. He was immensely proud of his children, Danny (now at Liverpool studying Politics and Philosophy) and Roisin (studying fine art at Goldsmiths, London). Kate, his wife, was hugely supportive from the very beginning of the idea of having a commemorative annual cycle ride and has supported the ride ever since.
Prostate Cancer UK
Claire Walsh, Head of Community and Sports Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We are thrilled that the Chris Spin annual cycle ride continues to support Prostate Cancer UK by helping to raise funds and awareness for the Charity. Every year, over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK – and it is a disease which kills one man every hour. The funds raised will go towards our work supporting men and their families affected by the disease, and our thanks go to everyone involved with this event.”
Prostate Cancer UK fights to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life. We support men and provide vital information. We find answers by funding research into causes and treatments. And we lead change, raising the profile of the disease and improving care. We believe that men deserve better. Find out more at www.prostatecanceruk.org.
Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company 2653887.