Jamie Staff to Open Leukemia Charity Event
Olympic gold medallist, Jamie Staff is urging children from around Kent to get on their bikes for the Lydden Bikeathon Kidz event to raise money for Leukaemia Research, the charity dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Sprint cyclist, Jamie Staff, MBE, who won gold for Britain in Beijing in 2008, will be waving the starter flag for this fun sponsored cycle ride at Lydden Race Circuit at 11am on 21 June.
Jamie, who is from nearby Ashford, says: "This is a great opportunity for families to get on their bikes and enjoy a fun, healthy day out while raising money for charity. I really hope the bikeathon will inspire people to participate in cycling and sign up for this fantastic event.
This year Lydden Bikeathon Kidz coincides with Father's day and is open to all ages from toddlers to adults - you can even enter on the day from 10am. Local police liaison officer, Gretel Stevens will be there to provide postcode stamps on bikes - a preventative measure to help stop bike thieves in their tracks.
Other entertainment includes a fairground organ which will be playing merry tunes to cheer the cyclists on their way and the Ashford Fire Service will be on hand for children to explore the fire engine and find out what it's like to be a fire fighter for the day! There is also a face-painting stall and a raffle with fabulous prizes to suit all ages.
The event costs £3 if children register in advance or £5 if they enter on the day. Everyone who takes part receives a fantastic fundraising pack, colour-in activity booklet and a T-shirt, plus an Olympic-style medal on the day to show off to their friends and family. This year refreshments will be provided by at the finish line by Dairy Crest, Ashford.
Organiser Annette How (who is also Leukaemia Research regional fundraiser for the south of England) said: "It is great to have Jamie's support - our Bikeathon Kidz event is a chance for children of all ages to make a difference with a great vehicle-free and fun sponsored cycle ride. Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer. All money raised will help Leukaemia Research to make a difference to the lives of those affected by leukaemia, lymphoma or other blood cancers."
Money raised will help fund ground-breaking UK research. In 2008 Leukaemia Research invested over £200000 into a three-year research project at the University of Kent in Canterbury.
Bikeathon Kidz events are aimed at children aged 2-14. Children can complete as much or as little of the route as they can manage in a vehicle free, well-marshalled environment. Parents can take part alongside so kids stay safe.
For further information about the Lydden Bikeathon Kidz contact Regional Fundraiser for the south of England Annette How on 020 8361 3357. To register, please contact Danielle Morgan on 020 7269 9097, email dmorgan@lrf.org.uk or go to www.bikeathonkidz.co.uk for details or to sign up online.
