News

City leader gets on his bike for Nottingham

Councillor Collins will be cycling from Nottingham to Greenwich to join other riders on a 6-day, 1500km 'Cycle to Cannes' charity challenge, which ends with cyclists from more than 65 British teams arriving at MIPIM's opening ceremony to be hosted outside the Palais des Festivals on Tuesday 16 March.

Setting off from Nottingham's Old Market Square at 10.30am on Tuesday 9 March, Councillor Collins will be joined by the Council's Head of Urban Design Nigel Turpin on the gruelling cycle endurance to Cannes, pedalling under the name of 'Team Invest in Nottingham'. They will be cycling the Nottingham to Greenwich leg in aid of cancer support charity Maggie's, and in particular for its appeal to raise £3million to open a centre in Nottingham.

Making the announcement Councillor Collins stated: 'Nigel and I are aiming to raise enough money to enable the building project for the new Maggie's Centre to get underway. The centre will be built at the Nottingham City Hospital Campus to help people diagnosed with cancer, and with around 4,000 local people a year diagnosed with the disease it will provide an invaluable support service.'

The ride by 'Team Invest in Nottingham' will be sponsored by Nottingham law firm Geldards. David Standard, Director of Marketing at Geldards and son of local cycling legend Sid Standard, said: 'This is truly a momentous challenge for both riders and I wish them the very best of luck over the 1000 miles.'

A former captain of the Great Britain Cycling team, David explains what lies ahead of the riders: 'As well as the demands made upon them physically from riding day after day, it will also be a mental challenge, especially as the French hills start to rise up in front of them. However, I do have a feeling that both Jon and Nigel have put the training in which will see them arrive in Cannes on time and in good shape.'

Gary Mather, Sales and Marketing Director at DiscoverCycling.com, which is providing technical support to the riders, said: 'The key thing for both riders will be that they have the right kit to see them through the journey, both in terms of their bikes and clothing. With so many hours in the saddle, it is essential that they are properly equipped. So many people miss out on the joys of cycling through having the wrong equipment. Cycling is a wonderful sport and I'm confident that the majority of miles Jon and Nigel will experience will be enjoyable.'

Bikes and accessories such as helmets, spare parts and nutrition will be supplied by Nottingham bike maker Raleigh.

The riders will not only raise vital cash for Maggie's and the nominated charities for the 'Cycle to Cannes' challenge, but they will be flying the flag for Nottingham at MIPIM. Councillor Collins explains: 'The aim of getting on our bikes is not just to raise cash for these worthy charities but as representatives of Nottingham, it gives us the opportunity to help raise the profile of the City as a primary investment location.'

MIPIM, which attracts key players from the property sector, is now firmly established as a pivotal point in the industry's calendar. It provides an opportunity for public and private sector organisations operating in Nottingham to promote themselves internationally under the City's banner.

Help is available for local companies wanting to make the most of attending MIPIM in the shape of 'Team Nottingham', which offers ongoing support in the run up to and during the 4-day international property fair to assess events and arrange meetings with exhibitors and other visitors from end users to investors and to international corporations.

Team Nottingham's main objectives will be to promote opportunities around the six premium city sites which will become available when Nottingham City Council relocates all of its departments to Loxley House, as well as five major schemes currently under development or in planning stages in Nottingham's new business district, Southside.

To sponsor the duo go to www.bmycharity.com/V2/teamInvestinNottingham.

Organisations and companies that make up 'Team Nottingham' include: Invest in Nottingham,; Gleeds; BCS Public Relations; Nottingham Regeneration Limited; Nottingham City Council; Innes England; Maber Architects; Miller Birch; Morgan Tucker; Rizk McCay; and Stirland Patterson.

|

[back]|