Blazing Saddles 1,000 miles in 13 days!

PA 101/11 When staff at The University of Nottingham were asked how they felt about teamwork, a gruelling 1,000-mile bike ride might not have been what they had in mind. However, Vice-Chancellor Professor David Greenaway persuaded nine of his colleagues to join him in taking on the challenge and they are determined to cycle the length of Britain in just 13 days. The 'Life Cycle' team will ride from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise funds for the University's Sue Ryder Care Centre for the Study of Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care, while marking the build-up to the autumn launch of the University's £150 million fundraising campaign — the largest in the institution's history. A massive £30,000 has already been pledged by individual sponsors but the team intend to raise much more. Professor Greenaway — thought to be the first Vice-Chancellor to make a personal commitment of this kind to a fundraising campaign in UK Higher Education — said: "We wanted to do something that would make an impact, showing our commitment to the Sue Ryder Care Centre and challenge ourselves at the same time. A cycle ride, and the theme of 'Life Cycle', seemed perfect. "Raising funds to support this cause will make a difference to many who have the misfortune to require palliative care and contribute to finding ways to make their final months as dignified and comfortable as possible." The Vice-Chancellor is keen for friends, former students and supporters to join the journey when the team cycles from University Park to the Sutton Bonington Campus on Saturday 3 September, while he is confident that the whole team will finish the ride.