Mansfield Town

Visit www.justgiving.com/mansfieldtownfc to sponsor ‘Team MTFC’ on this gruelling cyclathon.

The UK’s biggest loser, Stuart Eggleshaw, is in training for his next challenge – a gruelling 150-mile bike ride from London to Amsterdam next month.

Stuart, who was crowned as Slimming World’s Greatest Loser for 2014 at a national awards ceremony last week, is part of ‘Team MTFC’ who are participating in the challenge in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

During the past 18 months, the 43-year-old, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, has lost a whopping 22st 9lbs and has changed his once completely unhealthy lifestyle.

Stuart now cycles approximately 40 miles per week on average, and took part in a triathlon in Ashbourne last weekend, which he completed in an impressive 1hr, 22mins, 35secs.

“It was pure elation to complete my first triathlon – a really good feeling,” said Stuart. “I wasn’t sure at the start of the run if I was going to do it, but I managed it.

“At the start I was probably more nervous than I’ve ever been, but it was just a case of going out and doing it. 

“Once I got underway and got the first length [of the swim] done I really got into it. I enjoyed the swim, made the transition onto the bike and it was a nice ride with a few hills.

“I felt [jelly legs] when I ran from the bike down to the start of the run area, but I managed to compose myself, got underway and got three miles under my belt.” 

He added: “If someone had said two years ago that I’d have been doing a triathlon, I’d have probably fallen over laughing at them, so I’m really pleased with this triathlon.

“This isn’t the end of my journey – it’s the latest step in my journey.”

Stuart will be joined in his latest endurance quest by Mansfield Town chairman John Radford, Mark Stevenson (Head of Media & Communications) and Doug Carroll (aka Sammy the Stag).

The quartet will depart Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium on Friday 06 June and head through the rural Suffolk countryside to Harwich, where they will catch an overnight ferry to the Netherlands.

On Saturday, they will ride a further 60 miles to the Amsterdam Arena, home of four-time European Cup winners AFC Ajax, before returning home the following day.

The Football League has invited all 92 member clubs to take part in a bike ride between London and Amsterdam, in an effort to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Chairman John Radford said: “I’m proud to lead Mansfield Town on this exciting journey, and at the same time raise money and awareness for a great cause.

“It will help raise money to support men affected from the illness by way of reliable tests and treatments for the future. 

“I was quite shocked to read some statistics about Prostate Cancer, from which there are 10,000 deaths a year – equivalent to a strike rate of one man every hour.”

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Ian Deakin, who was due to participate in the quest, has had to withdraw. Ben Hutchinson, however, will still be taking part.

Donations can be made to support the quartet on their bike ride by visiting www.justgiving.com/mansfieldtownfc.