Wirral Bikeathon organisers have set their sights on reaching a £1 million target, after already raising more than £800,000 in the fight to beat blood cancer.
This year’s bikeathon is the first under the name of ‘Bloodwise’ – the new title for the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research charity.
The change reflects the aim of the bikeathon, which has the goal of beating blood cancer, as well as raising money to fund research into the prevention and treatment.
The Wirral Bikeathon is one of many Bloodwise Bikeathons taking place throughout the country, all are organised by local volunteers.
This will be the 18th consecutive year of the bikeathon which will take place on Sunday June 12th.
Ernie McCauley, Chairman of the local committee of Bloodwise, told JMU Journalism: “We have already raised £800,000 towards blood cancer, and we will now continue to organise bikeathons until we reach our £1 million target.
“Each year we raise between £50,000 and £60,000, this year we can only hope that we will raise even more.”
More than 1,400 people got on their bikes for last year’s event, raising close to £52,000 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
Emily Jones, a keen bike rider who has been taking part in the event for eight years, told JMU Journalism: “I’ve been taking part in the event since I was 12 years old and raised around £50 each time. I got involved with my brothers, we all enjoy bike riding, its great fun and it all goes towards a good cause.”
Riders can enter at www.wirralbikeathon.com or simply turn-up on the day. Cyclists who want to leave it to the last minute pay an entrance fee of £25 with those pre-registering paying £15.
Riders will receive an entry pack which will include a t-shirt, rider’s number and a sponsor form. Everyone who completes the bike ride receives a special commemorative medal.
Online registration for this year’s bikeathon opens on March 1st.