Chamber president honours intrepid college principal following 1,000-mile charity cycling trek

A college principal who completed a gruelling bike ride across Europe to champion the cause of Birmingham-headquartered charity Cure Leukaemia has been honours by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce president Nasir Awan.

Mike Hopkins, principal and CEO of South and City College Birmingham, received Nasir’s President’s Medal at the GBCC’s annual general meeting.

The award recognised Mike’s dedication to raising funds and awareness of Cure Leukaemia, which is the Chamber president’s adopted charity for his term of office.

Earlier this year, Mike led a five-strong team of cyclists on a 1,000-mile trek from Birmingham to Majorca in aid of the blood cancer charity.

He was joined by four team-mates from V-Spring Club in Bromsgrove for the nine-day marathon which began at the GBCC’s headquarters on Hagley Road.

The intrepid cycling team raised more than £20,000.

Nasir said: “I believe in the power of business as a force for good, and as president, I have the opportunity each year to choose the Chamber’s charity of the year.

“For a second consecutive year, I have chosen Cure Leukaemia for the amazing, groundbreaking work that they are doing in saving lives.

“I would like to recognise, in particular, Mike Hopkins, principal and CEO of South and City College Birmingham for raising awareness and much-needed funds for this important cause by taking up the remarkable challenge of leading a 1,000-mile bike ride across international borders to Majorca earlier this year.”

Meanwhile, two Birmingham firms who have been Chamber members for a combined 110 years were also recognised at the AGM.

Armac Martin, the makers of luxury brass hardware and accessories, and Birmingham REP theatre received long-standing member awards for 59 and 51 years of membership respectively.

Pictured from left to right: Mike Hopkins and Nasir Awan