Bankers cycle the Emerald Isle for charity

A GROUP of Midland bankers are bidding to raise thousands of pounds for the Acorns Children’s Hospice. The eight-strong team from Barclays have targeted the 400-mile cycle ride from Malin Head, the most northerly point in Ireland, to Mizen Head, in the south of the island, as the main thrust of their fundraising.

Ray O’Donoghue, Managing Director for Barclays Corporate Banking division, said: “Acorns Children’s Hospice provides a tremendous service to families during difficult times and I am delighted to being taking part in this challenge to raise much needed funds and to raise awareness of the charity and their work. For the third leg of this challenge we will be joined by Barclays Corporate Chief Executive Officer who was really keen to get involved and show his support.”

This latest challenge forms part of the ‘Lifecycle’ project, an initiative to raise money for Together for Short Lives, the only UK-wide charity representing life-limited children and their families as well the organisations like children’s hospices.  

Warwickshire batsman opens-up for charity

WARWICKSHIRE opening batsman Varun Chopra is hoping for a strong run of form as he bids to raise £25,000 to fund a new research nurse for Cure Leukaemia.

The talented player, the first in Warwickshire’s history to score back-to-back double centuries, has teamed up with Birmingham-based charity Cure Leukaemia to help raise funds for the charity.

As well as carrying the blood cancer charity’s logo on his bat throughout the current season, he is accumulating business sponsors who have pledged a minimum of £100 for every 100 runs he scores across all domestic competitions in the 2012 season.

He is the latest Warwickshire cricketer to pledge support for Cure Leukaemia; director of cricket Ashley Giles and coach Dougie Brown are both patrons of the charity, while the club itself has a six-year partnership with the charity.

Companies willing to sponsor Varun, pictured with Professor Charles Craddock, co-founder of Cure Leukaemia, should email: info@cureleukaemia.co.uk.

George Green hungers after support for Foodbank

THE Black Country Foodbank charity has received a £5,000 donation after being nominated for support by law firm George Green.

Partner and Head of Employment Tim Lang put forward the Foodbank to be one of the nominated charities to benefit from the annual Wolverhampton to Aberdovey Bike Ride.

The bike ride, now in its 10th year, attracted more than 300 riders in 2011 and raised a grand total of £45,000.

Mr Lang took part in the 103 mile ride as part of a team which included Alistair Blacklaws, of Matrix Realty, and Duncan Berry, of DBK.

The Foodbank is George Green’s current supported charity.

Wendy Fryatt, from the Foodbank, said: “We are in awe of what Tim and the other riders achieved. The £5,000 we’ve received will be used to buy a refrigerated van which will enable us to distribute fresh goods to those most in need.”

Tim Lang, on his cycle, is pictured with Wendy Fryatt and Kelvin Bates from Black Country Foodbank