The annual Bikeathon hosted by the University of Glasgow to raise funds for the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre will take place on Sunday 19 August.

Now in its fifth year, the sponsored cycle will take place over a 13 or 26 mile route starting and finishing in Kelvingrove Park. It is hoped over 450 cyclists will take part this year. With £160,000 already raised, organisers are hoping this year’s Bikeathon will bring the total to £200,000.bikeathon - batman

The Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre is located in the Gartnavel Hospital in Glasgow and construction began on the new centre in 2006. Funds are now being raised to equip the centre with the latest technology to help develop new treatments for leukaemia.

Director of the Centre Professor Tessa Holyoake said: “It is vital that we continue to raise funds for this major leukaemia research centre in Glasgow. Leukaemia affects thousands of people throughout the UK every year and we want to encourage as many people as possible to get out on their bikes on 19 August to raise money to fight this devastating disease. Not only will the Bikeathon help towards developing new treatments for leukaemia but it will be a great family day out.”

Entrants will be accepted on the day. Children must be over 7 years old, and all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. All entrants receive a t-shirt in their entry pack and refreshments on the day. If you would like to register please visit: http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/alumni/events/ For more information please contact Lindsey McArthur on 07967 206 858

Notes to editors

For more information please contact Kate Richardson in the University of Glasgow’s Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3683 or email K.Richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk

First published: 8 August 2007

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