Colin Sweetman

Riding for Men’s Health and History: One Gentleman’s Ride

Monday 14th Apr 2025

 

On Sunday, May 18th, 2025, I’ll be donning my finest tweed, firing up my bike, and hitting the road for this year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. But this year, I’m not just riding for one great cause — I’m riding for two.

I’ve chosen to combine the DGR with another meaningful event happening on the same day: The InSpire Ride, a motorcycle rally that concludes at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln. The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of Operation Manna, when Allied aircrews dropped life-saving food supplies over the Netherlands in 1945 — a stunning act of humanity amidst the darkness of war.

Why combine them? Because both events resonate deeply with me. The DGR’s focus on men’s mental health and prostate cancer research matters to me. Too many men suffer in silence, and too many lives are cut short — not by war, but by stigma, neglect, or simply not seeking help in time.

So on May 18th, I’ll be riding for all of it:

• For the fathers, sons, brothers and mates who never reached out.
• For the airmen and ground crews who gave so much and asked so little.
• For hope, remembrance, and dignity.

I’ll be joining hundreds of other riders at the IBCC for a moment of reflection, a look back at our shared history, and a celebration of resilience — both personal and national.

If you’d like to support me, please consider making a donation via my DGR profile page. Every pound makes a difference, and every voice raised helps break the silence around men’s health.

You can also follow my journey — I’ll be filming parts of the ride and reflecting on the day. I’ll share stories, insights, and some footage from the event for anyone who can’t join but wants to be part of the experience.

This isn’t just a ride. It’s a tribute. A cause. A promise.

Join me, support me, ride with me — or simply help spread the word.

Thank you, and ride dapper.

Colin

 

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Monday 14th Apr 2025 On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.