Get on your bike for World Blood Cancer Day

Birmingham 's NEC is joining up with Cure Leukaemia in a fundraising event for World Blood Cancer Day on 28 May.

The 'Festival de Cyclisme ' will be an exclusive ride with Cure Leukaemia co-founder, professor Charlie Craddock CBE, as well as ex-footballer and blood cancer survivor, Geoff Thomas.

The ride will take place on a closed road five-mile circuit around the NEC Campus and is open to both novice cyclists and experienced roadies who are invited to ride as many laps as they want across a three hour period.

With Birmingham at the heart of pioneering blood cancer treatments, and home to the Cure Leukaemia headquarters, the bike ride will celebrate the city 's world leading position and also help raise money for the charity 's Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP).

Chief executive of Cure Leukaemia, James McLaughlin said: “It is fitting that 'Festival de Cyclisme ' will be taking place in Birmingham on World Blood Cancer Day this year.

“Birmingham has been a global leader in the treatment of blood cancer for many years and this event provides an opportunity for people to ride alongside our co-founder Professor Charlie Craddock CBE who has been central to establishing Birmingham 's world leading position in this field.

“We are immensely grateful to Ian Taylor and The NEC for not only hosting this event after such a difficult 12 months but also for Ian 's ongoing commitment to cycling the full Tour de France route, one week ahead of the professionals this summer. ”

Geoff Thomas added: “I am really excited to take part in this event on World Blood Cancer Day cycling alongside the man who helped save my life, Professor Charlie Craddock CBE.

“All funds raised from the event will help our Tour 21 team progress closer to our goal of surpassing £1,000,000 raised for Cure Leukaemia to ensure the national Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) can continue giving blood cancer patients across the UK access to potentially lifesaving treatments through clinical trials. ”

Cure Leukaemia are asking for a £500 charitable donation as entry to the event, including a custom HUUB jersey, pre-ride breakfast, in-ride nutrition, post-ride refreshments, mechanical support and an invitation to watch the TT Race and a Guinness World record attempt.

With the media set to attend, there will also be a plenty of photo opportunities.

For more information or to secure your place, please email: [email protected]

Pictured: Geoff and Charlie at the start of the London 2 Paris event in 2015