A SOUTH Essex footballer will join hundreds of sports enthusiasts in cycling to Holland to raise money for prostate cancer research.

Stacey Little, who plays for C&K Basildon Ladies, is taking part in the two-day, 145-mile challenge which will see riders travel from London to Amsterdam.

The ride is part of the Men United campaign organised by Prostate Cancer UK.

Stacey, 28, is a former captain of West Ham United Ladies, and joined C&K Basildon, which plays its home games at Canvey Island FC, last year.

Since signing up for the ride, she says she has had a fantastic response from friends and family.

Stacey said: “Until signing up I really didn’t realise just how many people prostate cancer has actually affected, and some of the donations have really struck a chord.

“Someone sponsored me recently saying they’d been clear of prostate cancer for three years now.

“We’re just not aware of how common it is and I’m glad I’ve got the opportunity to do this bike ride for a purpose and good cause.”

James Beeby, director of fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK, said: “From our initial event in 2013 with a small group of 35 riders to 500 riders across both the London and Yorkshire legs, our football-themed cycling challenge has proved a phenomenal success and we are on track to smash through the £1million mark raised from the event over the past four years.

“Riders who represent clubs up and down the land show a brilliant demonstration of what we call Men United: people joining one team to fight a common opposition – prostate cancer.

“These vital funds raised – our transfer kitty - will help us fund research to help fight the disease and will help us provide dedicated support and information to men and their families affected by prostate cancer.”

Stacey added: “I’ve had so much support, including from people who’ve been personally affected by the disease.

“I’ve already raised over £1,000 just within a couple of months of fundraising and that’s just from doing my usual thing on Twitter and Facebook.”

The ride will take place from June 3 to 5.

To sponsor Stacey, visit justgiving.com/Stacey-Little1