Seven partners from the Birmingham office of legal firm Pinsent Masons, including office Head Greg Lowson, are in training to take part in London 2 Paris: Inspiring the Revolution to raise money for Cure Leukaemia.
The cyclists will be joining former England, Wolves and Crystal Palace footballer and Cure Leukaemia Patron Geoff Thomas and 300 fellow riders for the 500km journey to Paris in June.
Pinsent Masons have been a long-standing supporter of Cure Leukaemia and have held an annual bike ride of their own to raise funds since 2012. The seven riders taking part in London 2 Paris: Inspiring the Revolution are; Greg Lowson, Andrew Paton, Nigel Blundell, Paul Harkin, Jonathan Coley, Patrick Twist and John Tyerman.
It is 10 years since Geoff was declared in remission from chronic myeloid leukaemia after treatment from Cure Leukaemia co-founder Professor Charlie Craddock at the Centre for Clinical Haematology (CCH) in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. Now Geoff is marking the anniversary by aiming to raise £500,000 from this event to support the CCH and help save the lives of blood cancer patients in the Midlands.
Geoff said, “I’m delighted Pinsent Masons have a strong team for London 2 Paris. I know their annual bike ride for Cure Leukaemia has been a great success in recent years so I’m expecting a high standard of cycling from them! I look forward to meeting all the cyclists on the start line in June if not before.”
Cure Leukaemia Trustee and Head of the Birmingham office of Pinsent Masons Greg Lowson said, “We are very excited about joining Geoff and the rest of Team Revolution in June. Geoff’s story is truly inspirational and to have the opportunity to ride with him after all he has done for Cure Leukaemia will be a great honour. We are determined to raise as much as possible for Cure Leukaemia as we know the great work it will support at the Centre for Clinical Haematology and across the Midlands.”
Cure Leukaemia’s Head of Corporate Partnerships Jackie Kelly said, “we’re thrilled another of our key supporters has entered a strong team for London 2 Paris: Inspiring the Revolution. The fundraising efforts of Team Pinsent Masons will directly benefit patients battling this terrible disease.”
A number of well-known figures are also taking part in the ride including Geoff’s former Crystal Palace teammates Ian Wright, Mark Bright and John Salako. George Lineker, a fellow blood cancer survivor and the son of Match of the Day presenter Gary, current England U-20 manager Aidy Boothroyd and broadcaster Jill Douglas are also due to take part.
