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Tuesday 9 Apr 2019

430 mile cycling challenge at Birmingham New Street to combat blood cancer

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A squad of Network Rail colleagues is aiming to cycle the distance of the West Coast main line from Euston to Glasgow in support of Anthony Nolan, the charity combatting blood disease.

Paul Bavington, infrastructure maintenance delivery manager at London Euston, and his team of cyclists will clock up the 430-mile route on bicycles mounted on static turbo machines on the concourse at Birmingham New Street station on Tuesday April 9.

The aim of the event is to raise cash and awareness and get passers-by to sign up as stem cell donors.

Blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan uses its register to match potential stem cell donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of bone marrow transplants.

It also carries out pioneering research to increase stem cell transplant success, and supports patients through their transplant journeys.

Paul said: “My brother and I have friends and family members who have fought blood cancer.

“Anthony Nolan get people on the stem cell donor register. The aim of this register is to donor-match every single person who suffers a type of blood cancer. That way more people will be cured of this awful disease.”

Victoria Pritchard, national partnerships manager at Anthony Nolan, added: “We are delighted that the team at Network Rail have taken on this challenge to inspire people to sign up as donors. The station takeover is creative way of raising awareness the Anthony Nolan register, and the fact that each and every person that chooses to join has the potential to save a life.

“Every day, at least five people start their search for a matching unrelated stem cell donor. As young men are most likely to be chosen to donate we need more of them to join the Anthony Nolan register – so we can save the lives of more people with blood cancer.”

The six strong cycling team includes:

• Paul Bavington, from Lichfield, infrastructure maintenance delivery manager at London Euston.
• Mark Bavington, Paul’s brother, from Bedford, director of rowing for Bedford Modern School.
• Andy Myers, from Northampton, performance manager for Network Rail’s London North Western route.
• Pete Donovan, from Sutton Coldfield, area services manager for Network Rail’s London North Western route.
• Mark Withington, from Stafford, programme engineering manager for Network Rail.
• Simon Evans, from Solihull, head of communications for Network Rail’s London North Western route.

The April 9 event at Birmingham New Street is a prelude to Paul doing the 100-mile Ride London event in July.

You can donate to Paul’s Anthony Nolan fund here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CyclingAcross2019