Adrien Ong

We did it, and Thank You!

On Sunday 19th May the sunshine was glorious, and it was just the best conditions to ride the DGR for mens mental health and prostate cancer research. It was super that MaryAnn and I could support the cause together.

We rode with well over 500 other riders through London in the glorious sunshine.  Along the way, countless people were cheering, waving, and taking photos as we rode, waved, and honked the horns.  Sorry to anyone driving in London that day, as we completely jammed up the roads! The atmosphere was fantastic, and the marshalls kept us all safe.

Glad to report that the London chapter raised over £100,000 as we set off, and it was a worthy cause. If we save the life of just one man through funds raised, it will have been all worth it.  Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me and the DGR today. 

Total raised through your combined giving with BNY Mellon's match: £547 + £547 match = £1,094.  Well done and thank you!

BNY Mellon to match fundraising

I can confirm that the Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) will match any funds raised through your giving!  

This is a tremendous opportunity to double your generosity and impact.

So thank you for your generosity and support of Men's health through my fundraising, and thank you also to BNY Mellon!

More info on BNY Mellon's charitable giving programme is here:  https://www.bnymellon.com/us/en/about-us/corporate-giving-and-community-champions.html#:~:text=BNY Mellon will consider support,for their respective country's governance.

Fighting for Mens Health. My story.

On 19th May, I will be riding the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) for mens mental health and prostate cancer research. The DGR is for a great cause, and I would be grateful for your support and sponsorship.

Both issues have affected my family as my late father passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer.

And as some of you may know, I survived a serious motorbike crash and sustained a severe brain injury in 2015. But with the help of many doctors and loved ones, I fought back and made a strong recovery through 3 years of cognitive and physical rehab. During those years, there were many dark moments as I was forced to change career, sought purpose and identity, and battled many issues of mental health. Thankfully, with the support of many I regained my own physical and mental health, and found new purpose towards helping and impacting others for good.

The battles of mental health are real. You don’t need to endure as drastic circumstances as I did. There are many men who are often on the tipping edge between the kind of professional and social success that LinkedIn celebrates, but also at a point of despair and mental breakdown trying to meet financial, social, and others expectations - be they family, loved ones, work colleagues, or just social acquaintances.

I am proud to support all men journeying, struggling, or succeeding. We ride together, for each other.  A huge thank you for any support you can help me reach my fundraising target.

Photo: the day I was discharged from hospital following the first (of several) major surgeries to stabilise my physical condition. At the time, only my left arm was working, hence the thumb up!  

In support of Prostate Cancer fighters and survivors

My late dad Ronald fought a long battle over several years against prostate cancer.  When he had a blood test that showed an elevated PSA score, he was advised to have a prostate exam.  Like many men, he was too embarrassed to have a prostate examination.  He thought it would go away by itself, and worse - he did not tell me or others of the initial exam results.  A year passed before I heard about it, and sadly it had metastisized in that time.

I witnessed my Dad fight valiantly over 6+ years against the disease. He eventually contracted secondary bone cancer, and his pelvis became so brittle that he could not walk. Thankfully I was able to spend regular quality time with him until his passing in 2010 at the young age of 66.

Prostate Cancer is the most common form of cancer to affect men.  Get tested regularly. Don't ignore it. Let's fight it. We can.

Photo (2008): 3 generations. One of Dad's trips during his treatment when he could still travel, visiting the Guinness factory in Dublin.

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

On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I am 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.

NB for all donors - As per the FAQs on this site, the DGR withhold 20% of all funds raised to cover their operational costs. The remaining 80% goes to Movember (charity 1137948 - www.movember.com).