Why I'm Riding the Tour de 4:Prostate Cancer, Pelvic Health & Our Story
Updated: Sep 5
This weekend, I’ll be getting on my bike in Glasgow to take part in Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4.
Cycling challenges are nothing new for me, but this one feels very different.
The Tour de 4 was created by Sir Chris Hoy to raise awareness of Stage 4 cancer, challenge some of the assumptions surrounding it and raise money for cancer charities across the UK.
I’ll be riding and fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK, and the reason is incredibly personal.
When prostate cancer came into our lives
Last year, my husband Martyn underwent a radical prostatectomy following his prostate cancer diagnosis. His treatment and recovery brought the subject of men’s pelvic health right into the middle of our lives.
As an Osteopath, Functional Pelvis Practitioner and Empelvic ambassador, pelvic-floor rehabilitation was already familiar territory to me, but supporting your husband through it is very different from discussing it professionally.
There were appointments, difficult conversations and a huge amount of uncertainty. Alongside the cancer itself, we also had to think about the possible effects of treatment on bladder control, sexual function, confidence and everyday life.
These are deeply personal subjects, and ones that many men still find incredibly difficult to discuss.
Men have a pelvic floor too
We hear much more about women’s pelvic floors, usually in relation to childbirth, menopause, leaks or prolapse, but men have pelvic floors too, and prostate cancer treatment can have a significant effect on how these muscles function.
The pelvic floor helps support the bladder and bowel and contributes to urinary control and sexual function. Surgery to remove the prostate can disturb this system, which is why pelvic-floor exercises are often recommended both before and after a prostatectomy.
Prostate Cancer UK advises starting pelvic-floor exercises four to six weeks before prostate surgery where possible. After surgery, the exercises should not be performed while the catheter is still in place, but can usually be restarted once it has been removed, following advice from the medical team.
Our experience of pre-hab and rehab
Before Martyn’s operation, we used the Empelvic cushion as part of his pelvic-floor pre-hab.
The cushion gave him something physical to sit on and helped him begin locating the area, feeling the muscles lift and just as importantly learning to let them release.
After surgery, once his catheter had been removed and he had been advised that it was safe to begin again, we gradually brought it back into his rehabilitation (6 weeks post op)
For us, it wasn’t about endlessly doing more squeezes. It was about helping him understand where the muscles were, how they felt and how they worked with his breathing.
The Empelvic cushion is non-invasive and designed for both men and women. Its shape provides sensory feedback through clothing, which can make an area that is difficult to see or feel a little easier to connect with.
It was one tool within a much bigger recovery process not a substitute for medical care, specialist pelvic-health support or the individual advice given by his clinical team.
Why talking about this matters
Men may be prepared for the operation itself without feeling prepared for what recovery could involve.
Bladder leaks, urgency, changes in erections or a loss of confidence can be difficult to admit even to a partner or healthcare professional.
Yet these conversations matter.
Men need to know that pelvic-floor rehabilitation may be part of prostate cancer care. They need clear guidance on finding the correct muscles, coordinating them with their breathing and avoiding the temptation to simply squeeze harder and harder.
Partners also need information. We are often standing alongside the person going through treatment, trying to support them while managing our own fears and questions.
I’m sharing part of our experience because men’s pelvic health deserves far more attention than it currently receives.
Why I’m riding
For me, the Tour de 4 brings several parts of my life together: cycling, pelvic health, our experience of prostate cancer and my determination to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
Every mile will carry a little more meaning this time.
I’ll be thinking about Martyn, what we have been through together and the many other men and families facing similar uncertainty.
I’ll also be thinking about the conversations that still aren’t happening and how many men may be struggling quietly with symptoms they feel too embarrassed to mention.
This is only the beginning
The Tour de 4 is the first of several endurance challenges I’ll be taking on to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
In October, I’ll be riding the 100-mile Palace to Palace challenge.
Next year, my plans include the Dragon Ride Gran Fondo, completing all stages of the Vélo Classic and a bikepacking journey to Corfu.
I’ll be sharing the training, the highs, the inevitable wobbles and the stories behind each challenge along the way. One fundraising page will stay open throughout, so every donation will contribute to the same overall goal.
Would you support my challenge?
If you would like to support me, please consider making a donation through my fundraising page.
Every donation, however small, will help Prostate Cancer UK continue its work supporting men and their families, raising awareness and funding research.
Thank you for reading, donating, sharing or simply starting a conversation about men’s pelvic health.
Jayne 🌸
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