Local bus drivers for operator First Midland Bluebird have raised around £1200 for men’s health charity Prostate Cancer UK.

The funds were raised during a sponsored static 200K bike challenge at Stirling Bus Station last week, involving drivers and support staff from nearby Balfron and Bannockburn First bus depots.

A total of 13 of the firm’s bus drivers cycled up to a fantastic 20 kilometers each to raise vital funds and show their support for Men United, the charity’s movement for “everyone who believes men are worth fighting for”.

Prostate Cancer UK is First’s new ‘Charity of Choice’ and the firm hopes to raise around £1 million for men affected by prostate cancer over the next three years.

As part of the partnership, representatives from Prostate Cancer UK are staging awareness sessions at depots, canteens and offices across First’s operating area and handing out information on signs, symptoms and risks of prostate cancer. The group is also producing a million ‘Know Your Prostate’ pocket guides for staff to share with family and friends.

Jason Hackett, business manager, who took part in the sponsored cycle event, said: “Cycling that distance isn’t easy, but we had fantastic support on the day from our colleagues and members of the public passing through the bus station who dug deep for our cause.

“We all know that men in Scotland aren’t great at going to the doctor and getting themselves checked and our bus drivers are no different. That’s why it’s really important that we raise awareness of the risks of prostate cancer and the symptoms to look out for.

“Following the great success of our sponsored cycle, we’re already planning more events throughout the summer that will go a long way to raising funds for a great cause – and raise the all-important awareness among our drivers, their friends and family, and even our customers along the way.” Mark Bishop, director of fundraising, added: “We thank the staff at First Midland Bluebird for organising and taking part in the bike challenge. This is a fantastic demonstration of what Men United is – people coming together to fight this disease.

“Staff and customers haven’t just raised money, they’ve raised the bar in terms of local awareness of this disease and they’ve helped to inspire others to do the same.

“We thank everybody who has taken part and given any support to achieve this amazing donation for us, as they have helped to make a difference to the fight against prostate cancer. We look forward to hearing what the team have planned in the coming months.” As well as hosting internal events, First is also providing Prostate Cancer UK with valuable advertising space throughout its bus network enabling it to raise awareness among the hundreds of thousands of people who travel by bus every day.