University news

The fastest man to cycle around the world, Mark Beaumont, is saddling up again to support leukaemia research in Glasgow.

Mark, who completed his world record breaking cycle earlier this year, teamed up with Matthew Sinclair, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2005, to encourage people to sign up for the Cycle Glasgow charity bike ride on 17 August.

The event, held by the University of Glasgow, will raise money for the newly built Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre based at the Gartnavel Hospital. The £3m laboratory is targeting various forms of a disease which affects more than 2000 patients in Scotland each year. The continuing fundraising campaign will help to ensure that the new Centre has the necessary equipment, staff and ongoing support for research to continue their vital work.

Mark, 25, said: “Leukaemia is a devastating illness that affects so many people. By taking part in the Cycle Glasgow event vital funds will be raised to contribute to world leading research undertaken at the Paul O’Gorman Research Centre. Every cyclist taking part will be helping researchers develop novel and more effective treatments for patients with leukaemia.”

Matt, 30, said: “I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in 2005, and since then I have been introduced to a whole new world that I never new existed. Until you’ve been touched by someone with leukaemia it’s hard to grasp the idea of how much research and support is going on around us to cure this terrible disease. The new Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre will give so many people a real fighting chance of survival and joining Cycle Glasgow is the least I can do for a very good cause.”

The cycle will take place at 10am on Sunday 17 August 2008. It will start and finish in Kelvingrove Park in the West End of Glasgow and cyclists can follow a 13 or 26 mile route. Entrants must be 7 years or older and entrants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Teams and individuals are welcome to come along.

To enter online visit www.cycleglasgow2008.gla.ac.uk

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Notes to editors

Mark Beaumont
University of Glasgow graduate Mark Beaumont became the fastest person to cycle around the world when he completed his journey in Paris on 15 February 2008. Mark smashed the previous record by 81 days after completing the 18,000 mile trip in 195 days. During his seven-month journey the politics and economics graduate passed through 20 countries including Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre
The Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre was officially opened on the 22nd of May 2008 by Dr Richard Rockefeller.  The £3million centre is fitted out with the latest technology and will allow specialists to translate laboratory findings into new treatments for patients. It was built after a fundraising drive by the University of Glasgow, which saw more than £2.5million raised in six years.

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: 11 August 2008