Well-Mad ride global cycle challenge - two great causes

Issued by University of Leicester Press Office on 14 February 2011

Jpeg images and logos available from pressoffice@le.ac.uk

TWO GREAT CAUSES

A former racing cyclist, now an archaeological technician working at the University of Leicester, is not only cycling round the world, but has set himself the additional challenge of raising £50,000 each for two charities that are close to his heart.

The charities set to benefit from Ian Reeds’ Well-Mad Ride Global cycle Challenge are The MS Society and the Leicestershire and Rutland charity Hope Against Cancer, which funds a number of cancer research projects at universities in Leicestershire, many of them at the University of Leicester.

Hope Against Cancer

“I’ve known so many people who’ve had cancer,” Ian said, “including my ex-wife and my father.   I wanted to support a local charity and with HOPE I can support a generic project, perhaps research into chemotherapy treatments. Because of the many types of cancer that have impacted on my life, I wanted something that would help lots of people.

Hope Against Cancer is a Leicestershire and Rutland charity established in 2003 to raise funds for local cancer research.   Formerly known as the Hope Foundation, it was launched by the late Allison Wilson C.B.E., J.P., D.L., while terminally ill from cancer.   Through her own personal experience, Allison appreciated the importance of and need for further cancer research.

Surveys demonstrate that when patients with cancer are treated at cancer centres and units carrying out research, outcomes are significantly improved. Cancer research has historically been poorly funded in Leicestershire and Rutland and all money raised by Hope will be used exclusively to fund vital cancer research in this area. 

Since it was established, Hope has funded 24 research projects and will be funding a further four in early 2011.  This research has looked at a range of cancers including bladder, liver, ovarian, breast cancer, leukaemia, colorectal, haematology, pain control, prostate and patient care.

Professor Will Steward, Head of Cancer Research and Molecular Science, University of Leicester, said:  “Clearly we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Hope to act as a springboard for starting projects which can lead to subsequent CRUK applications ….  We will continue to need this support as otherwise it would be impossible to obtain the initial data from research which can lead to a credible application.”

Hope continues to be grateful for the support of the Universities of Leicester and Loughborough and De Montfort University.

MS Society

Ian commented:  “The MS Society has so many research projects that it was difficult to choose, but I went for a research project in Birmingham studying signals in the blood that may indicate MS in children.”

The MS Society is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to beating multiple sclerosis; providing vital support, information and services to those affected by MS and investing in world class research to find the cause and cure for this devastating neurological condition. 

MS affects around 100,000 people in the UK. Usually diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, symptoms include problems with balance and mobility, lack of bladder control, issues with eyesight, extreme fatigue and depression.

The MS Society also has a helpline (0808 800 8000) which offers support to people affected by MS.

Ian Reeds’ Blog, his progress round the world and information about Hope Against Cancer, the MS Society and sponsors of the Well-Mad Ride can be followed on: http://wellmadride.org/, where there is also an opportunity to donate to the charities.

Sponsors for the Well-Mad Ride global cycle challenge are:  the University of Leicester, Hullabaloo Visual Communications, Websters Cycles, Stanfords Map Shop, Pick Everard architectural and engineering partnership, Cyclemagic, Eurostar and Cotswold Outdoor.

More information is available in the press pack here: http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/press/media-centre/well-mad-ride

Notes to Editors:    Further details are available as follows:

	The Challenge:  Ian Reeds, ian@wellmadride.org
	Hope Against Cancer:  Gaile Lloyd-Jones, tel: 0116 270 0101, email: Enquiries@hfcr.org,
	The MS Society:   Lee Armitt, Temporary Press Officer, tel: 020 8438 0840, email: pressofficer@mssociety.org.uk.