Ahead of this weekend’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, Lee Corbet is preparing to fly the flag for Guernsey in the UK.
Founded in Sydney in 2012 by Mark Hawwa, the global event brings together motorcycle enthusiasts to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and in support of men’s mental health charities.
Inspired by the television series ‘Mad Men’, participants dress in dapper attire for coordinated rides in 121 countries.
Since its inception, the initiative has expanded significantly, with more than half a million people taking part, and $60 million raised worldwide in the process (roughly £44.3m).
There’s a ride in Guernsey on Sunday, and one along the south coast of England, which Mr Corbet will be taking part in, as he did last year.
Mr Corbet is leaving Guernsey today to travel to Bournemouth, before riding to the finish in Poole on Sunday.
At the time of writing, Mr Corbet has already raised £9,242.81 – close to double his initial goal.
He’s also surpassed a personal goal post based on his fundraising efforts last year, when he was the number one fundraiser among those doing the Bournemouth to Poole ride, in the run up to the event.
He currently holds 14th place worldwide, and is second in England, however the number of individual donations he has received eclipses those around him.
Top spot globally is held by Jonny Scheff of the United States with £62.5k raised, but that has come from just two donations – one from himself for $32 with the rest coming from OrangeCat Racing, a professional race team.
Mr Corbet’s total has grown with 204 different donors supporting his fundraising.
There are familiar Guernsey names on his sponsorship list, including individuals, local groups, and organisations, with their donations ranging from £5 to £600.
For Mr Corbet, the personal nature of his fundraising has added to his reasons for doing the ride, which he is dedicating to the memory of two loved ones.
Mr Corbet has honoured his “great friend” John Randall and his nephew John Blaise.
Both men died earlier this year after battling cancer.
In honour of “the two Johns”, Mr Corbet was determined to surpass his fundraising total of £9k last year.
“It’s been an amazing journey this year,” he said. “Our John Randall was so instrumental in generating funds for charities and in his memory I am hoping to knock it out of the park.
“Guernsey always punches way above its weight when it comes to charity. Per head of capita I expect we are pretty much near the top of the worldwide stage.”
As a result of Mr Corbet’s fundraising efforts, two local initiatives have received donations in his name from an international banking and wealth management group.
“Investec Guernsey have donated £500 to Mens Shed and £500 to MUG (Male Uprising Guernsey) in my name which is really cool,” he said.
If you want to support Mr Corbet in his fundraising efforts you can donate and find out more through the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website.
