If you fancy yourself as the next Bradley Wiggins, or just enjoy the odd lap on your bicycle every now and then, then why not join The University of Nottingham Life Cycle 5 team in raising money for dementia research.

On Sunday 23 August, members of the public are invited to take part in either a 75, 50, 25 or 10 mile sponsored bike ride to help raise money for dementia research and to pave the way to earlier diagnosis and better treatment for the disease.

If cycling isn’t for you, then simply come along to Nottingham Lakeside Arts to cheer the riders on and enjoy a BBQ and the post-ride celebrations.

Sponsored challenge

The event is part of the University’s Life Cycle 5 challenge, which has seen a team of volunteers, led by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, undertake a series of challenges including two gruelling rides – coast to coast across England and through the lochs and glens of Scotland.

Every pound raised during these challenges, and the sponsored rides on Sunday, will enable the University’s Nobel Prize-winning expertise in MRI scanning to give new insight into dementia and how it damages brain cells.

Jane Mason age 50 from Bramcote, will be cycling 50 miles on Sunday, along with 7 members of her family and friends, in support of her dad who is suffering from dementia.

Funding gap

Jane said: “The ride will be tough, but it’s nowhere near as challenging as living with dementia. My dad has dementia and whilst he’s still my lovely dad, little bits of him are lost. Despite this, he and my mum are still independent and that’s all down to Mum’s resilience and the support of family and friends who live close by. It would mean so much if people were able to help us reach our goal.”

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Greenaway said: “One in three of us have a relative or close friend who is a dementia patient and that is a massive incidence. Presently, dementia attracts about 8 per cent of the funding that goes to cancer research, so there is a big funding gap there.

“This year through Life Cycle 5 we are trying to raise funds that will allow us to use our Nobel Prize-winning MRI research to underpin ways of understanding better how dementia affects the brain. Every single donation will make a difference to this cause, so please get involved if you can.”

If you are interested in signing up for one of the sponsored rides, then visit our website.